Some Newcastle United fans have been reacting to comments from Graeme Jones about defender Federico Fernandez.
The centre-back was once again missing in the Magpies backline at the weekend.
Jones decided, for the second game running, not to select the 32-year-old in his matchday squad.
He is fit to play, but Jones started with a back three of Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark.
Jones named Fabian Schar as the only centre-back on the bench.
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Perhaps predictably, Newcastle ended up losing to Chelsea. The Blues ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at St. James’ Park.
It is now 23 goals conceded so far this season, making Fernandez’s management all the more strange.
On his decision not to select him, Jones said: “I really like Fede as a defender, but I didn’t see any value in putting him on the bench.
“If you’re winning, you’re not going to put him on, and if you’re losing, you’re not going to put him on.
“Fede needs to start – or not.”
It seems a very odd call from Jones, who saw Fernandez make decent contributions for Newcastle as they pulled away from the relegation zone towards the end of last season.
Those contributions ultimately led to a contract extension for the player.
Also, given Newcastle are currently using three centre-backs, surely having two in reserve is better.
Especially with none of the other substitutes able to play the role of centre-back.
Newcastle fans flummoxed
On social media, some fans are baffled by Jones leaving Fernandez out given how bad Newcastle have been at the back.
In many people’s eyes this call on Fernandez is a bizarre one from Jones:
2 best CB’s can’t get in the team 🤔. Baffling selections
— Tim (@cronnysworld) November 1, 2021
Fernandez, schar and dummett are all better than our current 2, it’s baffling
— Daniel Keating (@DanielK19594026) November 1, 2021
He should be in the team he fights to keep clean sheets.. for jones to say he either starts or not in squad is poor as for me if your centre back gets injured he is ideal replacement. Let’sbe honest a scratch on Jamal
And he’s off.— steve reed (@stevere73931488) November 1, 2021
Quality defenders that can’t get in a team fighting relegation is bizarre
— wayne mann (@waynekmann) November 1, 2021
He’s far better than Clarke and JL ,
— Chester Copperpot (@Chester18803775) November 1, 2021
So he doesn’t come in if we’re ahead, he doesn’t come on if we’re behind. What if it’s 0-0 and someone’s injured, or we’re down to 10 men?
Bizarre reasoning— Rich Harle (@RJHarle) November 1, 2021
Fernandez is the best defender at the club. Leaving him out is bewildering & shows that we need a managerial appointment very quickly.
— Mark (@Mark74NUFC) November 1, 2021