Sam Allardyce has told TalkSPORT that Newcastle United’s problem partly stems from their supporters demanding attacking football.
Newcastle fans to blame?
Newcastle were beaten 3-2 by Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, as they were cut open time after time.
Steve Bruce has attempted to get Newcastle playing more on the front foot this season.
However, the Magpies are yet to win – and they could not hold out against Tottenham’s attacking might yesterday.
Allardyce felt that Newcastle simply gave Spurs far too much room to play in yesterday.
And the former Newcastle boss feels that the fans’ demands for entertaining football has hurt the side in the some ways.
He said: “He was leaving himself wide open for a counter attack and being too open when the opposition got the ball.
“I saw Newcastle try and close down from the front, but once they had got one passed the forwards they were into midfield and straight at the back four.
“It gave too many opportunities for Tottenham to score. A more resilient defence might have been something that could have been a tactic.
“But, yet again, the Newcastle fans see that as a negative and talk about it being boring football.”
Allardyce was then asked again about Newcastle’s fans, and he doubled down on his point.
“You have 50,000 excited fans in St. James’, who want to see you going forward and attacking unfortunately,” he added.
“You’re left between the Devil and the deep blue sea when it comes to that.
“The Newcastle fans when things are going well are absolutely fantastic, they will lift the roof off.
“But Newcastle fans when it’s not going well are a different kettle of fish, believe you me, and it can be very upsetting for the players when they hear those sort of boos and jeers.
“And that makes the players playing at home nervous, and that has happened over many years.”
Harsh judgement?
Newcastle fans have consistently argued that they aren’t as demanding as the media perceives, and they simply want to watch a team who they feel are putting in their maximum effort.
Indeed, it is difficult to see how the atmosphere at St. James’ Park yesterday could be perceived as anything but a positive for Newcastle’s players.
Whether a new manager can get more out of Newcastle’s squad remains to be seen, though.
The Magpies are expected to part ways with Bruce in the near future, with other names being lined up.
Newcastle are yet to get a win this season and currently sit in 19th place, after what has been an awful start for the Tynesiders.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
