Isaac Hayden spoke candidly in an interview with the Guardian about Newcastle.
Midfielder Isaac Hayden has told the Guardian that he believes Newcastle United can finish in 12th place or even higher despite the Toon currently sitting in the relegation zone.
The 22-year-old has been a regular in Rafa Benitez’s side since the Spaniard lured him to St. James’ Park last summer, proving instrumental in the Toon’s promotion from the Championship as well as featuring this time around.
Hayden believes Newcastle’s recent slump – eight losses in their last nine league game – is only a temporary run of form and believes the Tyneside club will improve to finish in mid table.
He also urged owner Mike Ashley to sell the club, with Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners locked in negotiations as he believes Ashley cannot afford to take the Magpies to its fullest potential.
“The target for the season has to be survival,” Hayden said. “The club has so much potential but it’s never going to be realised under the current ownership.
“I don’t think it’s because Mike Ashley doesn’t want to realise it. I think it’s that he can’t afford to fully realise it.
“He’s trying to sell and it will be amazing for Newcastle when the takeover happens but in the meantime, it’s up to us to stay in the league. We can do that, especially with Rafa as manager. Realistically, we can aim for 12th and up.”
Hayden has missed just two Premier League matches this season, one for a yellow-card suspension and the other for what presumably was a bit of rest as he continues to be a shining light in Newcastle’s side.
He is expected to start at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as the Toon travel to Stratford to face West Ham United in a match that could prove crucial come May 2018.
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