CHEIK Tiote says unity is Newcastle United’s strength.
The club signed five players in last month’s transfer window – and they are already showing their worth on the field.
Midfielder Moussa Sissoko has already scored three goals, while the others, among them defender Mathieu Debuchy, have impressed.
Just as importantly, Newcastle’s latest acquisitions have also dovetailed into Alan Pardew’s tight-knit dressing room.
“The manager made some good decisions to buy new players – this has helped us,” Tiote said.
A reinvigorated United are now 13th place in the Premier League – and six points clear of the relegation zone.
And Pardew’s side – who face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday – also have a Europa League tie against Anzhi Makhachkala to look forward to after securing a place in the competition’s round of 16 last week.
Tiote – back in the starting XI after returning from the African Cup of Nations – feels the club’s squad now has the strength in depth needed to be competitive at home and abroad.
“I think we’ll all be able to work well together, and I think we have a great chance to win a lot of games,” added Tiote.
“When you look at the list of games there are plenty of chances to win, if we work hard.”
A few short weeks ago, Newcastle couldn’t buy a win, but the club has eased its relegation worries and progressed in Europe after winning four of its last six matches.
“We’re happy with the squad we have here,” said Ivory Coast international Tiote. “Everybody gets on well here, and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.
“Things are looking a lot stronger and everybody must fight for their place.”
Pardew’s team beat Metalist Kharkiv 1-0 in the Ukraine last Thursday, and that result has given Tiote and his team-mates the belief they can go far in Europe.
“We want to go as far as possible in the Europa League,” said the midfielder.
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