Steve Bruce calls Newcastle ‘naive’ as he questions Jaissle’s approach
Steve Bruce has criticised Matthias Jaissle’s tactics following Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat at Leeds, questioning the attacking setup and lack of protection in midfield.
Our former manager also highlighted Joe Willock’s place on the bench as he picked apart Newcastle’s approach at Elland Road.
Bruce questions Jaissle’s setup
Speaking on talkSPORT, Bruce said:
“It's certainly bold in his selection that's for sure and it's bold in the selection throughout. The no.10 for example, they're not dropping in and playing a no.10.
“They're playing two out and out centre forwards and they've got two out and out wide players which leaves the middle of the pitch and they're trying to press the ball high up the pitch.
“They're a little bit naive in the whole defensive outlook of what they're trying to achieve. It looks great when it comes off and but when it goes badly wrong it's awful to experience because they've just been so naive.
“And you're right about youngsters. I mean, they've also got Joe Willock, who's had a really good start to the season.
“He's sitting on the bench too. I do believe if you're coming to somewhere like Leeds and go out and out attack, play two centre forwards and two wide players. For me it's a very, very big call.”
A bit rich, Steve
Jaissle got things wrong against Leeds. Nobody needs to pretend otherwise. But Bruce handing out advice on how Newcastle should be coached does take some cheek.
His own relaxed training schedule and generous days off hardly set the standard. A bit more attention to getting his own Newcastle side organised would have been welcome when he was actually responsible for it.
Jaissle’s immediate response to Monday’s defeat was to say he would start analysing what went wrong on the bus home. He has plenty to learn, but that willingness to get straight back to work is something we can get behind.
Six games into the job, I’d rather give an ambitious young manager the chance to build something here than take lectures from Bruce after his first defeat. Newcastle should be aiming far higher than the joyless football he served up.
