I know what you mean about that line in the interview. Every time NIgel is interviewed about an upcoming game he gives the same interview, not because he can't be bothered to engage with the interviewer or to just speak in cliche, but rather because he really means everything he says about the quality of his players, the work that they do, etc.
He has always deflected any question about how well he has done personally with the standard "we have an important game on Tuesday..." approach but now that the season is over and the goal achieved, he couldn't deflect the question in that way. His answer seemed to be an honest appraisal of the life of a football manager, ie that they are only 5-6 poor results from being in trouble. Knowing how Pardew was sacked for a poor start last season and also the ambitious plans for the club laid out by NC, the pressure will be on next season. it has also been suggested by others on here that knowing that some players are not going to make the cut next season he was subdued by that, I don't know. I honestly can't see him leaving unless it was to a dream job which he couldn't refuse, such as Liverpool or more likely because he found that the pressure of management costs too much personally at some point. I am sure that he was being very sincere but I do wish he hadn't said it. This summer I want a nice steady evolution of the club. A few good signings, players who understand the whole "on the bus" mentality. Perhaps a couple more in January, everyone fighting for the right to make the first 11. No nasty shocks, thank you!