Matthias Jaissle offers Jacob Murphy defence after Newcastle injury blow

Matthias Jaissle has jumped to Jacob Murphy’s defence after the Newcastle United winger came in for criticism following Monday night’s heavy defeat to Leeds United.

Murphy started on the right in place of Anthony Elanga, who missed the 4-1 defeat with a hamstring injury, but struggled to make an impact at Elland Road.

We handed the 31-year-old a 2/10 rating in our player ratings, highlighting just how little he offered it either end of the pitch. 

However, Jaissle has made it clear that Murphy remains an important part of his plans and believes his influence goes well beyond what he produces on the pitch.

Jaissle praises Murphy’s influence on and off the pitch

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Hull City, Jaissle was keen to stress the importance of Murphy within his squad.

The German pointed out that Murphy was already getting regular minutes even before Elanga’s injury, while praising his leadership and professionalism away from the pitch.

“You saw that already, that he gets the minutes, right? Even if Anthony was fit. So he’s a really important player for our squad, not only on the pitch, also off the pitch.

“Really a leader who also communicates well and knows what it means to be professional. So I’m really appreciating him.

“And on the pitch, he’s so smart, so game intelligent. He knows exactly his strength and he knows how to deliver within our identity, how we want to play football.”

It is a strong show of faith in Murphy from Jaissle, particularly after the winger’s difficult night at Elland Road and slow start to the season in general. 

The boss clearly values what the experienced winger brings to the group, which may explain why the club did not accept Nottingham Forest’s £15 million bid on deadline day. 

Murphy must repay the faith 

While Jaissle has backed Murphy, the Anthony Elanga injury has undoubtedly increased the responsibility on the Newcastle winger, who must step up in his absence. 

Elanga had made an excellent start to the season, not only scoring against both Liverpool and Tottenham, but offering that much needed pace and running to Jaissle’s attack.

With the Sweden international now facing a spell on the sidelines, Murphy is likely to have a much bigger role to play, starting against Hull tomorrow if selected. 

Jaissle has made his feelings clear: Murphy is trusted, valued and wanted at Newcastle. The next step is for Murphy to repay that faith on the pitch.