Coloccini apologises for dismal Newcastle defeat

Steve McClaren’s side dropped into the relegation zone after Saturday’s 5-1 loss at Stamford Bridge.

Coloccini – whose captaincy was yesterday criticised by former head coach John Carver – was dreadful against Chelsea.

But United’s 1,500 travelling fans, surprisingly given what they were seeing, did not turn on McClaren and his players, who were applauded by many of those left in the away end at the final whistle.

Coloccini said: “They were fantastic. After that game, we went to the corner and they were fantastic with us.

“We just say sorry about what’s happened – sorry from the team and everyone.”

Chelsea were 3-0 up inside the first 17 minutes.

Coloccini said: “It was very tough, totally negative. We lost the game in the first 10 minutes. We conceded two easy goals.

“We didn’t do anything right. That’s why we got that result. We need to forget this game and improve for the next game.”

Coloccini was in the United side which was relegated in 2009, but he still maintains McClaren’s team is better than that which went down at Villa Park on the final day of that campaign.

“I still think the same,” said the 34-year-old, who was handed a contract extension on the eve of the season.

“We need to adjust little things. The manager and staff will know the things we need to improve.”

Meanwhile, Carver, McClaren’s predecessor as head coach, has questioned Coloccini’s leadership.

“He’s captain of the football club, but he’s not like the old-fashioned captain, like a (Alan) Shearer, where he wore that armband and everybody knew who he was,” Carver told BBC Sport.

“Coloccini’s not very vocal. He almost plays for himself, if I’m honest.

“It’s something that the club will have to address. In times like now, when we’re in trouble, we need some leaders.”

Carver kept an out-of-form Coloccini as captain during his six-month spell in charge of United last season.