NUFC captain Jamaal Lascelles has hit back at Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher following the Sky pundits criticism of Newcastle in the 1-0 home defeat to Man City over the festive period, stating he was close to ‘going for it’ on social media to defend our performance!
Man City enjoyed large spells of possession as we sat back in an attempt to keep the score down, however Neville labelled our approach as ’embarrassing’, stating it was the most ‘negative’ half he’s ever seeen. Jamie Carragher then weighted in, suggesting the Premier League was becoming a ‘joke’, using our performance in this one as an example.
Given Guardiola’s side had been making a habit of putting 4 and 5 past teams, it seemed a sensible approach to take, however the ‘experts’ disagreed.
Here’s Jamaal’s response to the Sky duo in a superb interview with the Mail’s Ian Ladyman:
“I really was close to tweeting because their comments didn’t make sense.
“Our tactics were spot on. We were playing a team that had just beaten Tottenham 4-1! So for people to say it was a shambles and embarrassing got to me.
“I was close to going for it on Twitter. I asked a few people what they thought but ultimately I thought it would have caused a scene — it would have got messy — and that would have been bad.
“I really respect them both but to hear pundits saying we were accepting defeat was not right. As ex-players I thought they would understand our approach. Maybe they just wanted something to talk about, because they had nothing else to say.”
Once again, this is brilliant from the skipper.
What I love about Lascelles – aside from the point he makes some very valid points here – is that he really does get it. He’s outspoken, but it’s fair, refreshingly honest and almost always spot on. He’ll protect what he believes in and carries that badge with pride.
Some say he speaks too much and should focus on matters on the pitch. Rubbish I say. He’s taken care of both expertly this season and it’s a joy to see someone so real, honest and passionate wear the armband.
After years of Mike Ashley silence and a former captain who rarely spoke out (Coloccini), Lascelles really has been a breath of fresh air at the club. Love the bloke,
Jamaal so confident and apt with your comment on these two tossers! well done Kid!
Decca63(Quote)