My article (‘Newcastle United need to look at a replacement for Matthias Jaissle and quickly…’) that was published by The Mag on Monday was a bit of a rant.
Getting rid of the anger at Newcastle United rolling over for Aston Villa and the previous defeats.
But let me add a few facts to my reaction.
Ahead of the Villa match, after six Premier League games Newcastle United had conceded 13 goals (ranked 20th of Premier League clubs), had faced an average of 17.7 shots per game (19th), had faced 10 shots from fast breaks (20th), had made 14 errors leading to shots (20th).
So those were the facts ahead of Saturday, not a knee-jerk reaction, but facts. Facts that would suggest we were having real issues and were the worst team in the league. Getting hammered by Coventry and Leeds backed that up.
After my article that was published on Money, there were lots of comments suggesting the players returning from injury will make the difference. To a point I’d agree.
However, we have had some good players to choose from all season and we have also had the international break to iron out any issues.
Years ago I remember Tony Adams talking about how Arsenal turned their season round by having a team meeting where they insisted the midfield give the defence more protection.
Have you watched our last few games? Have you seen the gaps in our midfield? Have you seen how slow Nico actually is? It’s ok parading around for Manchester City against some demoralised team for the last twenty minutes but it’s a lot different playing for us.
Start putting that together with the fast breaks against us and you are starting to see some tactical issues. Coventry won’t have an easier game. There was no pressure on their midfield. Aston Villa played straight through ours.
Do you think Rafa Benitezwould take more than five minutes to sort this out?
We have fast players, set up for counterattacking football, but we are failing to do that.
I don’t have a problem with losing a game. All teams will lose. It’s what you learn in that defeat that matters. So far, the answer would appear to be nothing.
There are an awful lot of questions at the minute.
Where exactly does Matias Fernandez-Pardo play?
What role is Yoan Wissa playing?
The Premier League gives no time to learn. You have to know the answers.
And so far Matthias Jaissle, likeable bloke that he is, looks like he has no answers.
And here’s my final question. If Newcastle United had no manager and the players just picked themselves, would we be any worse?