Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle will have more than a week to reflect on the defeat against Aston Villa before the game against Crystal Palace on Sunday. That is a lot of time for thinking, but also a lot of time to train.
The head coach has come under fire for his tactics, team selection and communication at various points over the last couple of weeks. Disastrous defeats against Leeds United and Coventry City have ensured the honeymoon period is over.
Journalists Split on the One Key Fix
With so many fans and pundits offering different theories, it looks difficult to know where to start. Chronicle Live's team of journalists were asked to cut through the noise and tell us which ONE thing they would change to bring success against Palace, and for the rest of the season.
Lee Ryder believes the return of Dan Burn to the back four is crucial. He said: "For me it has to be the return of Dan Burn to the back four as he will bring the leadership and organisation the team is lacking right now."
Ryder argues that whether it is at the expense of Sven Botman or Malick Thiaw, or even switching to five at the back, finding a way to accommodate the club skipper is crucial at Crystal Palace. "Burn is very much a standard bearer and has bought into Matthias Jaissle's methods and philosophy, so it is now a case of seeing that carried on to the pitch," he added.
Midfield and Coaching Concerns
Sean McCormick identified the midfield as the biggest issue. "Right now Newcastle's biggest issue is that opposition teams can play through their midfield too easily," he said. "At times, Nico Gonzalez is too exposed in the middle of the park and the Magpies are not getting the best out of their £50million signing as a result."
McCormick suggests a return to the muscle memory of 4-3-3 would help, particularly with the players who were in the squad last season. He believes that if Gonzalez was in the middle of two willing runners, Newcastle would be harder to play through and would get more control in the midfield.
Ross Gregory argued that the coaching itself must change. "The one thing that has to change for me is the coaching. Plain and simple," he said. "I don't think Jaissle's messaging is having the desired impact. The chaotic nature of the play is affecting players' minds - they look manic and unsure of their roles at times."
The Need for a Number Nine
Stuart Jamieson focused on the attack, stating that Newcastle are lacking someone to stick the ball in the back of the net. "For me, the big change has to come up front in the form of a proper No 9 who can lead the line, occupy defenders and get on the end of crosses," he said.
Jamieson suggested it is going to have to be William Osula, as Matias Fernandez-Pardo should be stuck with in some form of attacking role, and Yoane Wissa doesn't seem to be a penalty box operator any more. He noted that a real No 9 makes the whole team play better, referencing Chris Wood's arrival as an example of playing the role as it should be played.
