Marcel Desailly on Thursday night about St James’ Park – A must read | OneFootball

Marcel Desailly played at the San Siro for five years, from 1993 to 1998, then signing for Chelsea and playing at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League until 2004.

A real quality player for club and country (France).

The final time Marcel Desailly played at St James’ Park was on 25 April 2004 in the Premier League.

Joe Cole gave Chelsea a 5th minute lead, only for Shola Ameobi to equalise just before half-time.

Three minutes after the break, the ball was played into Alan Shearer’s feet some 25 yards from goal, close to the edge of the box nearest the East stand. Marcel Desailly was marking Shearer tightly, right behind him, however, the NUFC legend showed great strength to turn and then lash a quite unbelievable swerving shot into the far right and top corner.

St James’ Park erupted.

Marcel Desailly experienced winning and drawing at St James’ Park, as well as losing. Whatever, his memories of St James’ Park have stayed with him. As well as when visiting since then, doing media work.

On Thursday night, Marcel Desailly was working for beIN Sports in their studio on a big Champions League night, which included Newcastle v Barcelona.

This is what Marcel Desailly had to say on beIN Sports about St James’ Park and the Newcastle United fans:

“Whenever I mention St James’ Park, people have that look, they don’t know what is happening there really.

“I played there obviously with Chelsea.”

“But did you finish those games with Chelsea saying; ‘That’s what I want?’…”

Marcel Desailly:

“Yes, this is exactly what I want.

“I can from a 90,000 people San Siro, coming to a Chelsea that was 32,000, so they pushed it to 42,000.

“St James’ Park was just…wow!

“Just amazing, oh I love it.”

“Was it one of the best ones, Newcastle, St James’ (Park)?”

Marcel Desailly:

“Yes, for me.

“The fans, they are scary because…

“When you play at Liverpool you are happy. You know, ‘You never walk alone…’, you even want to sing when you are the opponent. When you come down the stairs you want to touch the logo of Liverpool, the captain of Chelsea, I am touching the logo of Liverpool. Because I am happy to be there, it is football. Liverpool is smelling just football, happiness.

“But St James’ Park, oooh, you are scared, ooh, tonight is not going to be an easy night.”

Newcastle 1 Barcelona 2 – Thursday 18 September 2025 8pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Gordon 90

Barcelona:

Rashford 58, 67

Possession was Newcastle 36% Barcelona 64%

Total shots were Newcastle 10 Barcelona 19

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 Barcelona 5

Corners were Newcastle 6 Barcelona 4

Touches in the box Newcastle 28 Barcelona 38

Newcastle team v Barcelona:

Pope, Trippier (Botman 76), Schar (Thiaw 63), Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton (Willock 62), Barnes (Woltemade 62), Gordon, Elanga (Murphy 63)

Unused subs:

Thompson, Ramsdale, Hall, Krafth, Osula, Miley, A Murphy

(Match Report – Hang on, what do I say if he wants one at the next game? Read HERE)

(It didn’t take long for them to come after Eddie Howe – Read HERE)