Read on for the rest of our interview with the No.26…
On the confidence victory over Qarabag has given the squad…
It was obviously a good result. We knew how important the game was in terms of finishing in the top eight. Obviously, it saves us playing two extra games, it means we’re seeded into the last 16 and things like that. So, we knew it was really important, we knew Qarabag obviously had a good Champions League campaign and picked up a lot of points.
We knew we had to be on it, and I think the lads showed that in their performance. I think we were really good. I think we punished their mistakes at times, and keeping a clean sheet and scoring six goals, you can’t ask for more than that. Overall, it’s been a good Champions League campaign.
On playing in a ‘makeshift’ defence against Qarabag and whether he lends his experience in that situation…
I think it’s just you then have to talk a lot more on the pitch and things like that. I thought Ryan [Gravenberch] was outstanding, but it’s obviously not as natural to him so probably me and Virgil [van Dijk] and Wata [Endo] have to maybe speak to him a bit more and things like that. Wata is so versatile and I thought he was excellent when he came on at right-back and thrown into the game early doors. It’s never easy and Wata very rarely lets you down.
It was a makeshift back four, but obviously we made it work, and then as the game goes on and the manager starts making subs we’ve got Amara [Nallo] back on the pitch. I thought he was really good for the last 20 minutes when he came on. It was all round pleasing. It was a good night for us. I’m sure the fans enjoyed it, but it’s up to us to give them more days and nights like that this season instead of some of the performances they’ve watched.
On having some memorable games against Newcastle recently, especially the late win at St. James’ Park earlier this season…
Newcastle are such a difficult team. Especially under Eddie and they’ve got a really good squad now. They’re competing in the Champions League and competing and doing well in the Premier League. It’s never an easy game against Newcastle. We’ve always found it difficult, but luckily for us more often than not we’ve found a way as well, which is pleasing. St. James’ Park is probably one of the toughest places to go in the league.