'We have to put this right': Kieran Trippier faces up to reality in post-match interview after another Newcastle United horror show
Newcastle United were deserved losers at St James' Park last night when Brentford came to visit, and the Magpies had nobody to blame but themselves.
Let's take nothing away from Brentford; they were excellent yesterday, but it was the lack of fight from Newcastle that made them look even better.
Newcastle's passing was sloppy as it so often has been. When Sandro Toanli is playing tame crosses that easily get intercepted, you know it's a bad day at the office.
Even by Tonali's much lower standards this season, that was such a poor ball that led to a break from Brentford and ultimately a goal.
Kieran Trippier promises a fight back on Tuesday night
Kieran Trippier bit the bullet for the players, speaking to NUFC TV after the game. Thankfully, the veteran defender didn't try to offer up excuses and simply admitted that they weren't good enough last night and vowed to make things better when they travel to Tottenham on Tuesday.
"As players, we need to take a look at ourselves - but in a positive way, because there are so many games ahead of us. This season is relentless but it’s up to us senior players now to help the squad.
"The schedule is no excuse. We want to play Champions League football - we need to be there. It’s up to us to take responsibility.
"All we can say is we apologise to the supporters tonight - but we have to put this right on Tuesday."
The schedule is an excuse - it just shouldn't be
To be slightly kinder to Trippier, and indeed all the players, the schedule is an excuse. But it's poor management by the club that they can't handle this schedule.
The recruitment hasn't been where it needs to be, and of course, there are mitigating factors there too, such as PSR and Newcastle finding it hard to attract the right calibre of player over 'bigger' clubs.
Still, the players we brought in with our £250 million spending spree in the summer haven't come close to matching expectations, except for Malick Thiaw. And not adding bodies in January when we were clearly desperate was criminal.
Everyone at the club, from top to bottom, has to take responsibility for this. If the tea lady switched from Tetley's to PG Tips, switch back. It's your fault, too, Mable!
