Matthias Jaissle denies blaming Newcastle players and clarifies long-ball comments
Matthias Jaissle insists Newcastle's players understand his instructions and says he wasn't blaming them after Monday's defeat to Everton.
The Newcastle boss addressed Craig Hope's confusion claims at Thursday's press conference before Saturday's trip to Fulham.
Asked how clear the players were about his instructions, he said:
"Really clear. As we lead with open doors, we listen a lot. Not only talking. It is important in my leadership style that you listen to the players and we offer them always the open door so if there is anything unclear then they will drop in when they have the chance."
On whether the players were aligned with his ideas:
"Of course. That was never in question, at least I am not aware of it."
He also insisted the group remained united:
"The fundamental thing in the process at the moment that we can count on is the unity and togetherness."
Jaissle said he had felt the club's backing during the week:
"I try to not follow things that are written but here and there you get some comments. The nice part is that I got even more the feeling from within the club [about] how committed they are and that is something really important in a week where there is speculation or rumours. It was good to know, good to feel but I try not to be distracted."
Pressed on Monday's criticism of the players, he added:
"Well, again, it's not to point any fingers, not at all."
He said the players had wanted to follow the plan but made poor decisions, and that those issues had been discussed with the squad. He also clarified that long passes were an option when playing short risked losing possession.
The proof is in the pudding
I haven't seen the unity and togetherness he's talking about.
This reads like backtracking now he's been called out. His comments after Everton were black and white: the players weren't following his instructions. I think he knew exactly what he was doing when he said it.
Let's see if it gets a response at Fulham.
