Five things we learned from McClaren’s pre-Villa press conference

Steve McClaren gave his press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of the Newcastle United vs Aston Villa fixture.

The head coach spoke in admiring tones about Villa and the squad they have at their disposal, and refused to be drawn into whether or not the Magpies should win the fixture on Saturday based on recent form.

The Birmingham side could easily inflict damage on the Tynesiders. They have pace and skill down the flanks and a solid defensive pairing in Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards.

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However, they have only gained six points all season and have to be seen as an opposition that Newcastle have to beat if they want to distance themselves from another relegation battle.

With two wins in the last two games, against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, the Magpies will be going into the match with high spirits – something McClaren wants to continue.

Click through the slides below to see five things we learned from his presser.

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