Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan believes the English Premier League “is in danger of becoming one of the most boring but great leagues in the world,” because “the top four next year will be the same top four as this year.” The former England manager added that Newcastle is “a million miles away from challenging for the league but if my owner backs me we want to try and finish fifth and top the other mini-league.” Keegan believes that retaining star striker, Michael Owen, whose contract expires in 13 months, would help tremendously in that regard.
The Newcastle manager spoke to the press following his team’s 2-0 loss at home to Chelsea, which is still vying with Manchester United for the Premier League title. “I think Chelsea would be worthy champions but I don’t think they will finish first,” Keegan said. “I think Manchester United will win the league, Cristiano Ronaldo has had an outstanding season for them and that has just given them the edge. And I can’t see United going to Wigan and losing next week.”
Naturally, Chelsea manager Avram Grant, whose team has the same number of points as United but a far inferior goal differential, disagreed. “It is not easy for Manchester United to play at Wigan,” he said. “I don’t believe Wigan will give the game to Manchester United. Sometimes I’m too positive and too optimistic but I believe in the traditions of English football.”