Coloccini not keen on Europe

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini believes qualification for European football could come too soon for the club.

Alan Pardew’s side have made an unbeaten start to the season and are currently fourth in the fledgling Premier League table.

But the 29-year-old, who joined the club in 2008, wants his side to build a squad strong enough to consistently reach the Europa League, rather than prematurely enter the competition.

“I don’t know about Europe next year,” Coloccini told the Evening Chronicle.

“It is too early to talk about Europe – we need to keep going and keep working and then we will see.”

“First of all we have to build the foundations at this club. I would prefer to leave the Europa League for the year after next – not next year.”

“I think we need to build a good team, a good squad – that is the biggest priority for us.”

“If we qualify, but we do not have the right squad, it could be one year in Europe and then back to where we were before. If we do it right then we could qualify every year.”

“I would like us to enjoy every season – not just have one season, and then players leave the club.”