Micah Richards has told Alan Shearer he is 'way too emotional' about Newcastle United, and declared the Magpies will be 'fine' this season, during a discussion on The Rest is Football podcast.
The exchange came after Newcastle's 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, with goals from Will Osula and Harvey Barnes securing the victory for Matthias Jaissle's side. The result followed defeats to Coventry City and Aston Villa.
Richards defends Jaissle
Shearer had previously warned that the 38-year-old head coach would face fan anger if he could not find solutions to the team's defensive issues. However, Richards defended Jaissle's work at the club.
"Here's what I think," Richards said. "I think you are way too emotional about Newcastle. When they are up, you are up and when they are down, you are too down.
"I think Jaissle is doing a fantastic job [at a] new club. At times, yes, they lack a little bit of... I don't know if it is a little bit of creativity, I don't know if it's a little bit of calmness on the pitch. It has sometimes looked a little bit erratic."
Newcastle's season outlook
Richards also offered his view on the team's position, noting they sit 'eighth in the Premier League'. He expressed confidence in their prospects, while suggesting they could strengthen in the January transfer window.
"But from when I first saw Newcastle earlier in the season, I liked the way they looked because even what they lack sometimes in quality, they make up for in running and working for each other. Newcastle will be fine."
"I think in January you could do with a couple [of new signings] but for now, Newcastle are doing just fine."
Upcoming fixtures
Newcastle will look to build on their win at Selhurst Park in a double header against Everton. They travel to Merseyside for a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie on Thursday, before hosting the Toffees at St James' Park on Monday evening in the Premier League.
