Vurnon Anita: 'Relegation pressure taking its toll on Newcastle United players'

Vurnon Anita has admitted that Newcastle United's dire run of form is "not pleasant", as they look to end an eight-game losing streak at home to West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

The Magpies have slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone following just two victories in 16 outings under caretaker boss John Carver, which has left them two points clear of the bottom three.

Anita acknowledges that his side must do whatever it takes to ensure their Premier League safety for another season, even if it means resorting to long-ball tactics.

"It is not pleasant at all. I want to enjoy my game and win matches and not just feel powerless when I am forced to chase the ball," the Netherlands international is quoted as saying by The Telegraph. "Newcastle are a mid-table team. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, unlike at Ajax.

"I must admit I had to get used to that. You know you have to fight the full 90 minutes here whether you play the leaders or the club that is rooted to the bottom. Any team can beat the other team. There is no need to look at the schedule. You just know you have to give everything.

"The pressure to keep up in the Premier League pays its toll. A lot of money is at stake and when things go wrong, most managers like to play safe. They play long balls and win the second ball as long as you are not robbed off the ball in your own half."

Following the visit of West Brom this afternoon, Newcastle take on Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United in their final games of the season.