Pardew Takes Responsibility For Gutierrez Performances

Alan Pardew has told The Journal, that he will stand by Jona Gutierrez, despite his lacklustre performances this season, because he feels he is partly responsible for them. Pardew admitted that moving Jonas off the wing and to a more central position this year has meant that the Argentinian hasn't had as much of an impact. He also confirmed that he has been carrying an injury throughout the season.

When questioned by The Journal he said;

“Yeah, and I think that (his new position) perhaps that hasn’t helped him. I take some criticism for that. I’ve played him narrower a little bit, and I think he’s got a fair argument to say that I should be playing him in position.

It’s something I’m working on with him, he’s an important player for us and an important character in the dressing-room.

They’re important players, your big players. You’ve only got to look at Jonás; he signed a new contract last year, he was fantastic last season, an unsung hero in a lot of ways, balancing us up, taking us up the pitch, giving us a rest, and he has not been at his best.

He’s had an injury he’s played with, we think he’s a lot better going into this game and I thought he improved significantly in the second half against  City.

I thought he looked more like his old self. We need him to play well.”