‘Newcastle United were just on another level’ – Sebastien Pocognoli | OneFootball

Sebastien Pocognoli couldn’t have been more impressed by Newcastle United.

The Union Saint-Gilloise manager speaking after Wednesday night’s 4-0 defeat.

Sebastien Pocognoli admitting; “Newcastle United were just on another level.”

Getting taken apart 4-0 at home in a Champions League match is never easy to take.

However, the Union S-G boss was very impressed with how Newcastle United conducted themselves in every way, declaring; “Maybe the opponent sometimes can be condescending, to look down on you, Newcastle United didn’t. They paid us full respect.”

Union Saint-Gilloise manager Sebastien Pocognoli after losing 4-0 at home to Newcastle United:

“I’m proud of my team.

“They fought and even at 3-0 down they didn’t give up.

“Newcastle United were just on another level.

“We managed to threaten and we played our own game.

“We just lacked efficiency, but one thing we have now is more experience, and that’s something that will help us going forwards.

“Maybe the opponent sometimes can be condescending, to look down on you, Newcastle United didn’t.

“They paid us full respect.

“They played a big match with their skills and qualities.

“They played top level, all the Newcastle players played top level, so it shows that they had great respect for us.

“There are more big teams to come in the Champions League and all will bring their own strengths and tactics.

“All we can do is focus on ourselves and improve our own game.”

Union Saint-Gilloise 0 Newcastle 4 – Wednesday 1 October 2025 5.45pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Woltemade 17, Gordon 43 pen, 64 pen, Barnes 80

Union S-G:

Possession was Newcastle 57% Union S-G 43%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Union S-G 17

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 Union S-G 6

Corners were Newcastle 5 Union S-G 7

Touches in the box Newcastle 24 Union S-G 15

Newcastle team v Union S-G:

Pope, Trippier (Schar 83), Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno (Hall 73), Joelinton (Miley 59), Tonali, Gordon, Woltemade (Osula 73), Elanga (Barnes 73)

Unused subs:

Ramsdale, Thompson, Krafth, Willock, Jacob Murphy, Alex Murphy

(Union Saint-Gilloise 0 Newcastle 4 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

((Union Saint-Gilloise 0 Newcastle 4 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)