Coloccini: Newcastle will compete for UCL football again

Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini said his side can repeat last season's success and enjoy another strong showing in the Premier League.



The Magpies surprised many by finishing in fifth place last term, qualifying for the Europa League, and the Argentine is confident that they can repeat their heroics in the upcoming campaign.



Coloccini told The Sun: "I'm not interested what the critics think - we are no one-season wonders.



"I accept the Premier League is becoming far more competitive and challenging at the top end of the table, but we are confident that more success lies ahead. Newcastle are one of the biggest clubs in England and therefore we should be challenging for major honours.



"We don't feel under any more pressure because of what we achieved last season. If anything, we are relishing the season ahead. Our success has brought with it greater confidence and more determination to do better.



"Last season we more than demonstrated we are a side that can challenge the bigger teams. Up to the last day of the season we were challenging for Champions League football.



"It wasn't achieved by chance, either. Over the season we showed great consistency and our goal this season is to better that success.



"I don't expect things to change. The likes of Manchester City, Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and ourselves will be fighting for the four available Champions League places.



"I'd expect the club to strengthen the squad as well so, with some new players coming in and the current confidence that exists throughout the club, why shouldn't we be optimistic?"



Coloccini has also praised manager Alan Pardew for his impact on the club, stating that he was one of the key factors behind their success.



"He is a fantastic coach and a major influence and driving force behind the success," the centre-back enthused.



"From the first day of last season's campaign he installed trust and confidence in the players.



"He felt we were more than capable of challenging the top teams and, when people were expecting us to fall away, we just kept getting stronger and stronger.



"There was no coincidence or luck that we finished so high up in the table - the players thought we would. The only disappointment was that we didn't finish higher."



Newcastle will kick off their 2012-13 league campaign against Tottenham on August 18.