Jeff Hendrick has frustrated some Newcastle United supporters by suggesting the Magpies will look to ‘run teams into the ground’ in 2021/22.
The midfielder spoke after last night’s 1-1 draw with Rotherham United.
The Millers went ahead through Michael Smith at the New York Stadium.
But it was Hendrick who levelled for Newcastle with a header playing as a centre-forward.
During the game, fans directed their frustrations towards manager Steve Bruce, owner Mike Ashley and the Premier League following the recent adjounment of the arbitration hearing.
After the game, goalscorer, Hendrick spoke about the coming season.
He and his teammates apparently believe that fitness could be the key to picking up positive results.
He said (via Chronicle): “It was tough. The pitch was slow and it was hard to move the ball fast.
“We have put in a lot of hard work and with a few fresh bodies on, they looked tired towards the end.
“We need to keep getting fitter and use that fitness to run teams into the ground.”
Hendrick’s comments have not gone down particularly well.
Often under Bruce, it’s been a case of the opposition having the ball with Newcastle containing and seeking to counter.
With the exception of one or two players, the team doesn’t really press high or intensely, preferring instead to defend deep and wait to regain possession.
On social media, some Toon fans dismissed Hendrick’s tactics talk:
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