Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini is confident that his side will have a better season next year in the Premier League.

Defeat on the final day to Arsenal left the Magpies in 16th place in the table, just five points clear of relegated Wigan Athletic.

"It was disappointing to lose, of course, but they were fighting for the Champions League while we didn't play for anything, just trying to get three points for the fans," Coloccini told the club's official website.

"But I think Sunday was a very good game because maybe we showed that we can fight against the big teams. We have to prepare for next season and play like we did on Sunday: to be compact and aggressive.

"I think next season, if the team play like that, we can be higher in the table."

Coloccini has been linked with a move away from the Tynesiders but played in the club's final three games of the season.

Written by
Simon Sinclair