Alan Pardew: The sliding doors moment that cost me my Newcastle job

Alan Pardew believes a single moment in Newcastle's 2013 Europa League quarter-final against Benfica was the "sliding doors moment" that ultimately contributed to the end of his tenure as manager. In the second leg at St James' Park, with Newcastle needing to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit, Hatem Ben Arfa had a late chance to score and put Newcastle through on away goals. Pardew suggests that if Ben Arfa had scored, it would have changed the trajectory of the club and his own time there, potentially leading them to the semi-finals and beyond. However, Ben Arfa missed the opportunity, and Newcastle conceded an injury-time equalizer, leading to their elimination from the Europa League. This exit was followed by a demoralizing derby defeat to Sunderland, which Pardew states initiated a prolonged downturn for the club and effectively sealed his own fate, even though he remained in charge for another year. Pardew reflects that while his Newcastle side possessed the talent, a lack of consistent mentality, particularly highlighted by the enigmatic Ben Arfa, was an issue. He also touches on the pressures of European campaigns, the club's financial motivations under Mike ... download the app to read more