Jonjo Shelvey had an interesting week at Newcastle, having been dropped for the Tottenham game, and then leading the side in the Carabao Cup tie, in which he missed his penalty in the shootout.
So it was definitely a week of ups and downs for the former Liverpool and England midfielder, and in the wake of the cup defeat to Leicester, he gave an interview to the Chronicle.
He spoke on a range of issues, from almost moving to West Ham, to not being a sulker – as some people perceive him to be.
But Shelvey, who said he is “happy” at Newcastle, as is his family, and is playing to earn a new contract, once again implored people to support Steve Bruce.
He said: “You pick things up and you read things and I just think they need to get off the gaffer’s back. He’s come in here and he’s doing a good job. It’s enjoyable to work with him.”
And it is that line that some fans will pick up on, as it is the second time he has publicly backed the new manager, having previously done so from the pre-season tournament in China.
I am sure Shelvey is trying to say the right things, and he probably has a slightly vested interest in Bruce being here, as had Rafa Benitez stayed, he would likely have been sold.
But his form on the pitch has been patchy, and he really needs to let his feet do the talking for him.
Jonjo Shelvey needs to show his best form every week
Fans will get fully behind him, if he can consistently put in the level of performances he is capable of – as they would with any player.
But it is finding that consistency that Shelvey seems to struggle with, which is why it is no coincidence that bot Rafa and Bruce have sacrificed him as soon as things have started going wrong.
Personally, I have always said that a Newcastle side with a fully fit, on-his-game Shelvey in it, is a much better side than one without him.
But I am yet to be convinced that he can do it week in, week out, which is why he finds himself on the bench, as much as he does in the starting XI.
He does say that he was playing with an injury on Wednesday, but that has been his story for two seasons now. It is a case of rinse and repeat every time.
If he is playing with an injury, he should get himself fully fit, fight to regain his place, and show fans that he can be a top performer every week.
Interviews will not persuade fans to endear him, his football will.
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