Jacob Murphy has detailed what Matthias Jaissle's 'vertical football' at Newcastle United should look like, rejecting claims that it amounts to long-ball tactics. The winger spoke after scoring in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Fulham, a result that eased some pressure on the head coach following a difficult run.
Murphy on the gameplan
Newcastle took four points from a possible 15 since the last international break, and Rodrigo Muniz's equaliser denied them a win before the upcoming international fixtures. However, Murphy said the side looked more organised and created several chances after struggling in the previous defeat to Everton.
"The strengths of the gameplan is we can attack their goal quickly and in one or two passes," Murphy told BBC Sounds. "We have got really quick players. If we are sat in a low block and win it, whoever has won the ball can they secure the first pass? Can we be ready to run to take advantage of any space left behind but one thing we also want to try and do more is control the game."
He added: "I think in spells today we had a bit more control and we were living in different shapes for a bit longer, trusting each other and not taking things too literal."
Responding to criticism
Jaissle has faced criticism over his tactical setup, with detractors describing 'vertical football' as a fancy term for long-ball play. Murphy disagreed, acknowledging the team has sometimes been too direct.
"There has been talks of a direct style and sometimes we can be guilty of doing that too much but it is decisions that we as players have to take and be accountable for," he said. "People are talking about hoofing it up the pitch. OK, maybe we have been guilty of doing stuff like that but that is where we just need to take a breath and find a man. It is not the instruction to hoof the ball forward, it is to get to the goal quickly. There is no denying that. We have to take it upon us to find better solutions and problem solve ourselves."
Players must find consistency
Following the defeat to Everton, Jaissle's comments appeared to suggest players were not implementing his instructions. Murphy said it is up to the squad to deliver consistent performances.
"A lot goes on in the training week," Murphy added. "It is about interpreting it in the correct way and finding the solution that works for everyone. We play really good when everyone is thinking collectively and this one brain identity."
"If everyone is thinking together and that goes on throughout the team that is where we will play our best stuff. We have not been consistent with it and that is where we have to learn and have to grow in finding consistent performances."
Murphy noted the team's fluctuating output, from nearly 30 shots in one game to barely creating a chance in the next, before creating good opportunities at Fulham. He said finding consistency will take time but stressed the squad's commitment to making it work.
