Say 'unrealistic expectations' and Real Madrid come to mind. A team that sacks manager if they do not play in a style accustomed to the legacy of the Spanish giants, even if they have won the league (Capello) or the Champions League (Del Bosque). But after you can now add Newcastle United to that list.
Left back Jose Enrique is quoted in The Sun as saying "Our goal at the start of the season was to qualify for the Europa League but the reality now is different.' I'm sorry, Europa League? What planet are they on?
Newcastle have a decent enough side that should, should sit comfortably in the 10th-14th region of the Premier League. To think they could finish top 6 or 7 is laughable, especially when you consider they had sold off most of their best players upon relegation two years ago, had a number of players either with personal issues or lacked experience, and a manager who had yet to establish himself in the Premier League.
Unless they were expecting to get lucky in the Carling Cup (they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which is undoubtedly impressive but then lost four-nil at home to an Arsenal side determined to clinch some silverware at last) their aspirations were mad.
When your side contains the like of James Perch, Danny Guthrie, Nile Ranger (who has potential but is still very young) and Mike Williamson you cannot expect to finish above all of Sunderland, Villa, Everton, Bolton, even Stoke. Yes, they are only behind Sunderland and Bolton of that list, mainly because the others have been so woeful, but come on - Top 7? Seriously....
If think Newcastle have done well this season. In fact I think they have overperformed impressively. Carroll will be a loss, no doubt, and they need to be careful with how they spend the £30 million.
Football is unpredictable, and there is no probelm with ambition. You have to aim for the top; there is no point in turning up if you don't. But for Jose Enrique to moan that the side cannot or will not qualify for Europe is laughable.
His quotes are more likely to be the foundations of his reasoning for moving on from Newcastle in the summer, perhaps a general nudge nudge to suitors that he is interested in a move. However, if the club had not filled his head with such nonsense maybe he would not be so eager for pastures new...
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