In life, you are usually rewarded for good performance. But not at Newcastle United.
After winning just two out of their last 20 games, the Magpies sit perilously close to the relegation zone.
The defeat to Brighton on Saturday leaves Newcastle in 17th place, two points ahead of Fulham.
It was an appalling performance, and one that fans thought would be the end of Steve Bruce. In fact, some players reportedly thought that too.
But Bruce will remain in charge, and now has two weeks to prepare his side for their next game against Tottenham.
However, their preparations will largely be spent at home. That’s because, according to the Daily Mail, they will be off for six days over the international break.
This is absolutely shocking. Bruce should be doing all he can to put things right, creating a style and system that can get Newcastle the points they need to survive.
This is the second time days off at Newcastle have come up in the media, with the same issue being raised amid the Matt Ritchie vs Bruce saga.
It seems scandalous that the players would get so many days off when things are so desperate on the pitch. However, according to the Daily Mail, there is a method to the madness.
They report that the reason for so many days off is to help the players’ physical and mental wellbeing, and hopefully relieve the pressure ahead of the game against Tottenham.
It’s a bold strategy, and one that will be heavily criticised if it backfires.
It’s hard to believe what is going at Newcastle United right now. The manager has been underperforming all season, yet is somehow still in the job. While the players’ shocking performances have been rewarded with time off.
Then again, this is Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United, where ambition, logic and hope goes to die.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
