Didi Hamann: Reinforced Newcastle can steer clear of Premier League relegation

Didi Hamann played for Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City in the Premier League and has had his say on the contrasting fortunes of all three clubs this season.

Read what the former Germany international thinks about Newcastle's chances of survival, what Liverpool need to do in the transfer market and how Man City have evolved this season in an interview with freesupertips.co.uk

Didi Hamann knows what it is like to play for Newcastle United, having turned out for the Magpies in the 1998-99 season, and he has backed his former club to achieve Premier League survival under Eddie Howe this season.

In his interview with FreeSuperTips, the former Germany midfielder said: "I think they've signed some decent players and we've seen already what Kieran Trippier can do for them and his contribution.

"I don't think the teams at the bottom will get too many points, so Newcastle may need only 35 or 36 points to stay clear of relegation.

"I'm sure they'll get it and avoid any trouble. You saw against Everton after the first goal, the noise that the supporters made.

"They'll be right behind them as they try to pull away from the relegation zone and the players they've brought in will improve them.

"I wouldn't say that they won't be anywhere near the relegation places, but I think they'll have more than enough to stay up."

At the other end of the Premier League table, another of Hamann's former sides Liverpool have struggled to keep up with leaders Manchester City this season.

And Hamann feels the Reds need to strengthen their midfield options if they are to improve as a team.

"I've said a few times that Gini Wijnaldum is still a big loss and if you look at the players in that area, there's some issues," he added.

"Thiago is very injury-prone. He can't seem to play two or three games after one another.

"Fabinho and Henderson are very solid next to each other, but Liverpool need a midfielder who can get you seven or eight goals from open play.

"Another Wijnaldum would be nice, but it is probably the only position where they can strengthen.

"At the back, the centre backs are as good as any and the fullbacks are arguably the best around, so the midfield is the only position where they could do with another player."

Liverpool did, however, conclude some business in the January transfer window this season, signing exciting forward Luis Diaz from Porto for a reported €45 million.

Diaz made a good impression on his debut against Cardiff in the FA Cup and Hamann liked what he saw.

He said: "He's a very tricky player and we all saw that in the little cameo when he came on against Cardiff.

"He's another option for Liverpool, obviously it's really hard to get into the starting 11 and I'm not sure if he could be used a bit deeper, but that could be an option.

"The biggest positive is now Liverpool have players that can potentially change a game from the bench and Jurgen Klopp has lacked that option at times."

As for the future of Liverpool and manager Klopp, Hamann had his say on whether or not the German will put pen to paper on a new deal.

"In modern football it's very rare there's a manager who's in charge for such a long time at a top club," the former Reds midfielder continued.

"Diego Simeone is probably the only other at a top club along with Pep Guardiola who have been there for a substantial amount of time.

"Clubs change managers on such a regular basis, and it comes down to whether Klopp thinks he can continue once his contract is up.

"His contract is up in 2024, but two years in football is an awfully long time and it will depend on what he wants to do.

"If the team still functions and the players still like to work with him, then I don't see any reason why he wouldn't stay on.

"It's a decision he needs to make in the future, Germany have a new national team manager and that might be one position he has pencilled in to potentially do.

"Maybe he wants to win a major tournament with Germany in the future, but it's too far down the line to even think about it at this stage."

As for Liverpool's rivals Manchester United, the club continue to come under scrutiny for their performances under Hamann's compatriot Ralf Rangnick.

Ralf Rangnick has been frustrated by recent resultsCredit: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA

But Hamann believes the Manchester club's problems run deeper than the person in the dugout.

He said: "It just looks like whoever walks in there can't seem to get a tune out of the players.

"Jadon Sancho is probably a prime example. He's been fantastic in the Bundesliga for the past few seasons but hasn't really found his feet in Manchester.

"He's starting to get into the team now and pick up his own form personally, but it's been such a shame to see because he's struggling in a team that is struggling.

"I remember years ago when I was a Liverpool player and we lost to Burnley, the media and the whole of England were laughing at us.

"But on Tuesday United drew away to the team at the bottom of the Premier League and nobody was really surprised that they did.

"I think that shows how far down they've fallen.

"I don't think it's even because they have a manager who won't be in charge in the long term, there's just a lot of problems at Manchester United right now."

On the other side of Manchester, though, there seems to be little stopping Guardiola's City team right now and Hamann admitted he is surprised at how well the Citizens - another of his former teams - responded to their Champions League final loss last year.

He added: "I am quite surprised how well they've managed to do, but then again, they won 12 Premier League games on the spin which makes it hard to keep tabs on them.

"They do win every game more often than not, Liverpool could cut the gap with their game in hand, so there is a chance, but then again, it's very difficult.

"Liverpool would have to win their remaining games, but you'd expect teams to drop a few points here and there which makes a big ask.

"I am surprised after that Champions League final, which they should have won, how strong they've come back again."

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