McClaren: ‘Magnificent’ Newcastle did not deserve to lose

Rob Conlon
Steve McClaren: Manager's side remain in relegation zone

Steve McClaren: Manager's side remain in relegation zone

Steve McClaren admits he has never felt so hurt by a late defeat after Tom Cleverley’s last-gasp header secured a 1-0 win for Everton at Newcastle. 

Swansea’s victory on Saturday afternoon meant Newcastle needed at least a point to move back out of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Magpies looked to have secured a 0-0 draw until Cleverley headed home with the final act of the match.

I have lost quite a few games in the last minute and cruel endings, but never before have I felt so upset and disappointed for a set of players than I did when I walked into that dressing room,” McClaren said.

“They didn’t deserve that. They gave everything – in the second half they were magnificent. We stood toe-to-toe with a very good Everton team, and the response from the crowd was terrific, the response from the players…

“We didn’t deserve to lose; we have, but that kind of performance, that bodes well for the future.

“Everton would have been disappointed if they had lost, like we are. I didn’t think we deserved to lose, I thought a draw was a fair result. But this game is cruel and we have to quickly move on.”

Newcastle head for West Brom on Monday knowing they will have to shake off their bitter disappointment if they are to bounce back immediately.

McClaren added: “It’s very difficult, just straight away refocus and lift. They have got to recover tonight, come in tomorrow and get prepared for West Brom on Monday.

“It’s a big test physically and mentally for the players after that because they gave absolutely everything.

“We talk about crawling off and they did. It was a struggle to get on the bench, they were all underneath.”