Anzhi director Roberto Carlos: We are favourites to beat Newcastle

Anzhi Makhachkala sporting director Roberto Carlos believes his club are the favourites to push past Newcastle United and go through to the last eight of the Europa League.

The Russian Premier League outfit have been pitted against the English side in the last 16 of the competition, following Anzhi’s 4-2 aggregate win over Hannover 96 last month.

Carlos, who assumed his current role after making 25 appearances as a player, believes the team are always favourites to win, regardless of the opposition.

The Brazilian said: "We have the mentality of winners here. We have a friendly benevolent spirit and are not the type of team to lose.

"When the team has a coach like [Guus] Hiddink, there is always something good awaiting for us.

"I am sure about this every time we play.

"No matter who is on the opposite side of the field, we will always be favourites."

The two sides will play in Russia in two days’ time before the second leg at St. James’ Park a week later.

Source: Chronicle