Alkmaar coach Louis van Gaal, the former Dutch manager and the man who replaced Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona, has already told Roeder he does not fear his team. Even though, on paper, Newcastle have a far superior team.It is mind games, and I've notice Roeder is not prepared to go head-to-head with a man who has won just about everything in the game. The Toon boss has shown respect and kept away from the media hype. Obviously wise under the circumstances. Let the Dutchman blow his trumpet, and let the players to the talking on the pitch.
Van Gaal is no stranger to St James' Park. He was, of course, the coach when Kenny Dalglish's side beat Barcelona in the Champions League in that unforgettable night at St James' Park in 1997. Tino Asptilla scored a hat-trick after Nadal had promised to put the Colombian "in his pocket".