Obertan Slams Previous Newcastle Regimes - Claiming "Spirit Is Totally Different" Under McClaren
The Frenchman seems happy with the fresh set-up at St James'.


"Yeah (I was surprised Newcastle fell behind) but you know that's what happens sometimes - you feel like you're in control but the team in transition is pretty good and they end up scoring and we knew Pelle is quite good in the air. "So we were surprised but we got back in the game quite good too and we managed to score the second one. Overall we're quite happy with the performance but we've got to concentrate on improving and not conceding so we can win the game. "It's not surprising to us (that Newcastle fought back). Last year we had trouble coming back into games, conceding goals and we let (ourselves) down sometimes but I think this year is totally different. "The way the staff have got us working and the spirit we've got is totally different and I think we saw that today and it's something we can be proud of."Speaking about his own contribution to the Magpies' opening-day Barclays Premier League draw, Obertan admitted he was happy to provide an assist for debutant Wijnaldum. He continued (NUFCTV, paywall):
"It was a good game overall. I think we controlled the game (until) around the 75th minute but then got a bit crazy - we conceded the second goal - and then it got a bit crazy. They had good chances after that but I think a point is well deserved today. "I just went for it (the cross for Wijnaldum's goal). When Papiss (Cisse) gave me the ball, he knows I'm pretty quick so that's what I expect from my teammates to play on my qualities. "He put the ball quite far away from me, I won the race from my defender and then I just tried to put it in as best as I could into the box and Gini was there just at the right time."CLICK HERE to read the Match Report from Newcastle United 2-2 Southampton.And CLICK HERE to read the Player Ratings from the game.Finally, CLICK HERE to read "10 Things We Learned From The Game".For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.