Steve McClaren has been replaced by Rafael Benitez.
After a difficult season at St James’ Park, it seems that Steve McClaren’s time as Newcastle United manager has come to an end.
Newcastle are currently in the bottom three with relegation looking a distinct possibility.
Much of the blame has been put on his shoulders, with Rafael Benitez having now replaced him as the Magpies’ boss.
However, the players must come in for criticism as well, and there are some in particular who should be the focus of people’s ire.
Fabricio Coloccini
The first of those is defender and captain, Fabricio Coloccini.
In a season where Newcastle have relied on a mostly inexperienced defence, the club have desperately needed the experienced defender to be their leader.
Instead, he has often looked rash and inexperienced himself with a series of unimpressive displays.
They have often led to seriously poor defensive displays, a big cause of their issue this season, and Coloccini must be given much of the blame.
Mousa Sissoko
If there is one player who’s inconsistency is a perfect representative of the Magpies, it is midfielder Sissoko.
At his best he is a dominant creative force for the side, with surging runs that can terrify defences and put Newcastle on the front foot.
When he isn’t though, he is something of a liability, and too often that has been in the case in this disappointing season.
He has not contributed a goal all season, which in a campaign where they have struggled to find the back of the net has been a serious let down for him and McClaren,
Papiss Cisse
On the subject of goals, Cisse is another one who has failed to aid his side this season.
Granted he has featured just 13 times, but one goal from those is a poor return from an experienced Premier League centre forward.
The fact that defensive trio Coloccini, Daryl Janmaat and Jamaal Lascelles all have a goal to their name in this campaign, further highlights how badly he failed to deliver.
Of course, not all the blame for Newcastle’s struggles this year can rest solely on the shoulders of the playing squad.
McClaren’s handling of them, and his tactics have also played their part, but there is no denying some players have undeniably let their manager down.
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