Friday 1 January 2016 16:40, UK
Arsene Wenger has backed Steve McClaren to turn things around at Newcastle but warns it could take time to achieve success.
McClaren's side have struggled for consistency since his arrival at St James' Park last summer, although they have recently enjoyed victories over in-form rivals Liverpool and Tottenham.
Their next challenge is to take on the Premier League leaders at the Emirates on Saturday, and Wenger feels McClaren has to be given time to rebuild a club that has not finished better than 10th since the 2011-12 season.
"He has only just joined the club," Wenger replied when asked about speculation over McClaren's future.
"Newcastle is a very exciting project because it's a very big club and it's a fantastic and exciting job for a manager like Steve McClaren, but it is a long-term job.
"(Newcastle) has a huge potential and in six months it's impossible to transform a club of that stature into a club competing for the Premier League. Give him time.
"I know that patience is not the first quality in our society but, unfortunately to be successful, you need it."
Arsenal are looking for a double on Saturday thanks to a 1-0 win at St James' Park back in August, but that victory only came courtesy of a Fabricio Coloccini own goal and Wenger expects another tough game against the side sitting a lowly 18th in the Premier League.
"They had a difficult start and they lacked a little bit of confidence," he added.
"That always shows at home more than away from home. Away from home they have had quite good results and performances.
"If you look at their squad, they have good players in all areas. Up front they have Papiss Cisse, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ayoze Perez.
"In the middle of the park they have players like Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum who can make a difference as well, so they are a dangerous team to play."
