Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew blames the Europa League for their poor campaign.

Pards has plenty of problems to deal with as he aims to end a wretched Premier run of just two wins from eight.

The Newcastle boss admitted: "It's difficult. We go to Southampton at the weekend and they will have a day off and two training days leading into it.

"For us it's a working day, a game, a recovery day, then Southampton. We've lost a little bit of rhythm because we have not been able to do the work on the training ground because of games.

"I think that in the Premier League we play a heavier schedule than most European leagues and for Premier League teams it is difficult in this competition.

"I do feel that it needs to be looked at a little bit. You only have to look at the other two English clubs in the competition. We're all having similar seasons and they are stronger than us financially.

"It just goes to show that it does make a big impact on your league situation.

"I think it is harder for us to win the Europa League than for the big four to win the Champions League. The four Champions League teams have the finances to have two squads whereas we are in a competition which has more games and a more difficult night to play - a Thursday."