Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith believes Newcastle United supporters are increasingly concerned about the club's direction, with head coach Matthias Jaissle still 'learning on the job' as the team struggles for form.
Three defeats in the last four matches have intensified scrutiny on the German coach, especially after heavy 4-1 losses to Leeds United and newly-promoted Coventry City. Jaissle is still adapting to the Premier League and attempting to implement a new formation and style, with a squad that includes many young and relatively inexperienced players.
Fans worried about results and lack of goals
Smith, speaking as a co-commentator, said the recent results and the shortage of goals are troubling supporters. Big-money summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo has yet to score, while Yoane Wissa's form has dipped following a bright start to the season.
"There's problems at Newcastle," Smith said. "I'm sure the fans are getting worried. Just one or two groans. A successful season would be to get into Europe. Whether they can do that is another matter. Jaissle's learning on the job, isn't he?"
"They've got Fernandez-Pardo, come for big money. I noticed they played him on the right rather than through the middle the other day. He needs to get acclimatised, and [Will] Osula needs to contribute. So I don't know."
"I think people up on Tyneside will be wondering where the club's heading, really, where the team's heading."
Woltemade's future uncertain
The lack of goals from forward players has also revived speculation about Nick Woltemade's future. The striker was loaned to Juventus on deadline day for the season after not fitting into Jaissle's intense style of play, and Newcastle are reportedly keen to sell him permanently once the loan ends.
However, the 24-year-old has made a slow start in Italy, playing second fiddle to Randal Kolo Muani, who has started all of Juventus' Serie A matches. Woltemade has scored just twice this season, both in the Europa League, one from the penalty spot.
Given the wages and transfer fee Juventus would face to sign Woltemade permanently, they are already believed to be looking at other targets, including Monaco's Folarin Balogun.
Smith added: "You buy these players for a lot of money and you're paying big wages, and it's difficult, because if you're on Premier League wages, it's quite hard to match them elsewhere these days. So Woltemade might think, 'well, I'm not going to go here or there if it's half the money'."
"He's one on his own in terms of his style, so you've almost got to build a team around him. And he did well when he first started for Newcastle, didn't he? But it might be a bit of a problem for Newcastle to work out what to do with him."
