Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini could be stripped of the armband if he doesn’t improve upon his recent displays, according to Luke Edwards of The Telegraph Sport.
As we reported yesterday, Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren was livid with his side’s attitude during their 3-0 home defeat to Leicester City, and the 53-year-old has confronted his under-performing stars in a series of heated training ground rows this week.
Sky Sports claim that Coloccini bore the brunt of the former England manager’s vehement criticism, and Edwards understands that the defender’s position as club captain is subsequently under threat.
Coloccini was appointed as Magpies’ skipper in 2011 following former captain Kevin Nolan’s shock sale to West Ham, and Newcastle fans have regularly queried the unassertive Argentine’s suitability for the role.
The unorthodox centre-back has failed to demonstrate a fraction of the leadership qualities possessed by his predecessor during his four-year spell as captain, and has repeatedly shown an unwillingness to front up to the public following unacceptable performances and results.
Many supporters called for Coloccini to be stripped of the captaincy following his unsavoury role in last season’s disastrous campaign. However, following his appointment as head coach in June, McClaren controversially allowed the 33-year old to retain the armband, whilst offering him a new one-year contract extension.
Unfortunately, McClaren’s bold show of faith has not incited an improvement in Coloccini’s form, and the ex-Deportivo defender came in for some stinging criticism following his lackadaisical performance in the Magpies’ latest defeat to Leicester.
The Telegraph claim that McClaren will offer Coloccini an opportunity to redeem himself in Newcastle’s vital clash with Crystal Palace this weekend, but, should the Argentine fail to improve upon his recent displays, the Magpies’ head coach will consider alternative candidates for the captaincy.
Popular Holland international colleagues Daryl Janmaat and Georginio Wijnaldum are understood to be the leading contenders to replace Coloccini, should he be stripped of the Newcastle armband.
