Neutrals look at the Premier League table and when they see Newcastle’s current plight, they wonder how a team that looks good on paper is languishing in the relegation zone.
Steve McClaren shouldered most of the blame for the Magpies’ current league position, and rightly so. His tactics and ability to motivate the team weren’t quite up to standard.
However, only on a few occasions this season have the players looked bothered or prepared to take games by the scruff of the neck in order to propel Newcastle higher up the table.
I can’t count how many times this season I’ve seen the players floating around the kick-off spot, looking down-and-out after conceding a barrel load of goals.
At the time of writing, Toon fans have been given renewed hope after the stunning appointment of Rafael Benitez – one of the world’s most-coveted managers.
Make no mistake, the Spaniard is amongst the best tactical managers of the 21st century, having won trophy after trophy during his long career.
With Benitez, United have an experienced, globally recognised perfectionist at the helm, and even players like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were eager to impress him whilst at Liverpool.
Unlike McClaren, the UEFA Champions League winning 55-year-old has been given the title of ‘manager’.
Essentially, this means he will have more power and authority that McClaren had when in charge, and the consistently inept displays this season from the likes of Sissoko and Coloccini will not be tolerated, should they continue.
In many of Newcastle’s defeats this season, the tactics and organisation have been questionable, but with Benitez in charge, this won’t be a regular occurrence.
The Spaniard will have specific instructions repeated each week to every single player – each of them will have a crucial job to perform for the full 90 minutes.
With ten games to go in this crucial relegation battle, it’s time for the players to step up to the plate and deliver on the pitch, not with words to the media.
When one is getting paid thousands upon thousands of pounds a week, one is expected to perform their job to the best of their ability.
If having a top-class manager like Rafa Benitez in charge doesn’t motivate the underperforming players to do what is asked and to go that extra mile, I do not know what will.
More often than not, Rafa’s game plans – if executed well – result in a positive outcome for the team. Should the players do exactly what they’re told, survival should come.
Two of the three main ingredients needed for Premier League survival are guaranteed for Newcastle – a quality manager and full support from the fans.
The final ingredient, which is passionate and consistent performances from every player, needs to be fulfilled. It’s down to the players now.