Robert: Newcastle are not a very good team

By Matthew Jones
October 1 2005

Former Toon midfielder Laurent Robert, has relight a bitter feud with Graeme Souness, saying: "We (Pompey) are better than you." - Robert also claims Michael Owen will be a waste of £16m.

Laurent Robert, who is on loan at Porstmouth, is fuming that the Premier League refused his request to play against Newcastle in today's clash, but told his new team-mates that they should not fear today's visitors.

Robert, who has netted 22 goals for the Magpies, was previously fined £180,000 by the Magpies following an attack on Souness in June, just after he joined Pompey in June.

Robert said: “Michael Owen is no danger to us — Newcastle are not a very good team.

“People say Portsmouth are a bad side but I think we are a much better team than Newcastle. We just need a little bit of confidence.

“We just have to show a little more fight and we will win today.

“I did not come here just to try and stay in the Premiership — I came here to finish in the top 10 and maybe push for a place in Europe.

“If Portsmouth finish above Newcastle I will be very happy.”

On Sir Bobby, Robert added: “Bobby is a top man, he is Sir Bobby.

“This game is different to all the rest and I am very angry I cannot play.”