Newcastle United are the Championship’s biggest fish, Ayoze Perez claims.
Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez celebrates after scoring their second goal
Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez says the Magpies are the Championship’s biggest club and explains why their rivals are so desperate to beat them, the Telegraph report.
The Magpies boasted a decent squad last season yet a mixture of mis-management and poor performances led the club to an eventual relegation despite late improvements.
With players on huge wages and boasting multiple international caps, there can be little doubt that the Magpies boast a top quality squad and one which should be pushing for promotion.
Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez celebrates with team mates after scoring their first goal
Yet so far it hasn’t been so straightforward for Rafa Benitez’s men, with two wins and two defeats from their opening four days showing just how unpredictable the Championship can be.
Speaking to reporters, Perez believes his club’s status means they have become a scalp for others and claims he can see in his opponents eyes just how much beating Newcastle means to them.
“Teams in the Championship are desperate to beat us because we are Newcastle. You can see it in their eyes. We are the biggest club in this league and they want to be able to say they stopped Newcastle or they beat Newcastle,” Perez told the Telegraph.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle (L) and Ayoze Perez after sustaining injuries to the head
“Just look at the way Fulham and Huddersfield celebrated after the game. It was a big moment for them to beat a club like this.”
“Now we know what to expect. It will be the same in every game. Maybe it was a shock at first but we know every team will raise their game against us.”
After defeats to Fulham and Huddersfield Town, Newcastle bounced back with wins over Bristol City and Reading and they will be hoping to maintain their winning streak with Brighton visit this weekend.
The Seagulls could be considered as one of Newcastle’s main challengers for promotion to the top-flight, and the return of Brighton manager Chris Hughton will surely add an extra bit of spice to the encounter.
Newcastle’s Ayoze Perez arrives before the game
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