Matthias Jaissle is safe for now but throwing his players under the bus is a dangerous game. Newcastle have no identity, no direction and no patterns – and that’s on the manager, writes CRAIG HOPE

Craig Hope argues that Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle is risking his dressing room by publicly criticizing players following a 1-0 defeat to Everton. Although Jaissle remains safe in his position for now, Hope contends that the squad currently lacks direction, identity, and tactical patterns after nine matches in charge, which ultimately falls on the manager rather than his squad.

The column highlights that Newcastle have suffered four defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. Hope criticizes Jaissle's tactical approach, including his 4-2-3-1 setup, and notes that while the club's hierarchy is not looking to sack him yet, the German coach urgently needs to mend relationships with his players.