Arguably the only defensive player who has shown any inclination of passion this season, Jamaal Lascelles, was hung out to dry by his Newcastle United teammates this weekend.
Despite being the tender age of 22, Lascelles was sent to speak to the press after Newcastle’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Southampton, but where was the captain?
What came out of Lascelles’ mouth was a refreshingly honest and frank assessment of United’s season so far. The former Forest man hit the nail on the head, going as far as to say the team hasn’t shown the passion or commitment to stay in the Premier League.
Here’s what Lascelles had to say to the BBC following the result;
We need bigger characters on the pitch, players who care and who are going to get after each other.
We have lacked it this season and no matter how good you are, if you don’t have that fight and hunger and desire, it doesn’t matter.
We had Steve McClaren who is a great manager and now we’ve got Rafa Benitez, who is a great manager, so it’s clearly not that.
It’s the players and we have to take full responsibility. It’s ourselves who need to change it and not the manager.
We need to play with more heart.
We’ve got flair players, tricky players, players with loads of talent, but we need more heart, we need more desire.
Here’s some of the Newcastle United fans’ responses on Twitter:
Twitter: “We need more heart, we need more desire” well said @Lascelles16
a player that actually understands. Came out and spoke whilst others hid (@NickHeg1992)
Twitter: Jamaal Lascelles for captain in the championship, the mans got more of a voice then anyone else #NUFC (@Mitrology)
Twitter: Impressed by @Lascelles16 honesty and maturity. Stand up to be counted unlike some of his “illustrious” teammates who shirk at every opp. (@Aman5ehgal)
Twitter: @Lascelles16 Thanks for being honest. At least we know the truth now. Gutless exp players letting lads like you down. 100% effort #nufc (@StJamesMecca)
