Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu has emotionally spoken of just how much impact losing games and being near the bottom of the Premier League table has on the players.
Save for a few bright moments and results, this season has been largely disappointing for the Magpies contingent, with the club hovering just above the relegation zone.
Once again, it's been quiet on the transfer front, the takeover specter has once again reared its head, and manager Rafael Benitez is only contracted until the end of the season.
That said, going back to the bright moments, Newcastle did reach the FA Cup fourth round with a third-round replay victory over Blackburn Rovers and then beat Cardiff City 3-0 in a relegation six-pointer last weekend.
These wins ensure that the mood is more optimistic going into Saturday's FA Cup home fourth-round tie against Watford, as well as their Premier League fixture against reigning champions Manchester City at St James' Park on Tuesday.
Speaking to the Chronicle Live, Atsu said the players truly cared about the team and wanted to give their all for the passionate Toon Army, which means they suffer too when results don't go their way.
"When we lose games, you really have no idea what the dressing room looks like," he said. "You don't know how we feel when we go back home; it's like the whole week is miserable. You don't know how to get it out of your mind, and you don't know what to do to make yourself feel better.
"Every game is important for us. The fans want to see us win each and every game, which is why they always turn up in their tens of thousands, home and away. It's not just a Cup game [against Watford]; we want to win for the fans, so we will be prepared for that."
Read also: Ghanaians Abroad: Newcastle fans react to Christian Atsu’s display vs Chelsea
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