For one of the few times at Newcastle under Rafa Benitez there was some turbulence behind the scenes with the news that Rafa and Jamaal Lascelles had some disagreement on the training field over a week ago.
It seems that probably happened but it’s been reported way out of proportion.
There was also said to be a disagreement between Matt Ritchie and Jamaal in training.
Oh well – nobody’s perfect.
Everything seems to be back to normal again with only Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey out injured and not available for the trip to Manchester City today.
PR photo – everything is back to normal now
In fact, Rafa has gone out of his way to say that Jamaal continues to be an example to other players in training and how he generally conducts himself.
This is what Rafa has said as reported in the Chronicle today:
“He has been training in the last two days and he has been very positive.”
“He is trying to be an example to everyone in the way that he trains and the way he does everything.”
“I think he has been quite positive after the injury problem and all of the things that other people wanted to talk about this week.”
“He is professional and you have to compete.”
“I like to see players compete in every training session. That is positive.”
“His reaction has been fine and as soon as the scan on his ankle revealed he was OK he has just carried on.”
it’s going to be a tough game this afternoon with Newcastle likely to get heavy criticism before the game – once again.
A defeat at the Etihad today could see us in the bottom three over the International break.
It would be great if we can take something out of this game.

Comments welcome but please refrain from criticizing other readers.
8 comments so far
Lindisfarne
Sep 1, 2018 at 8:48 AM
Comment #1Choo-choooo!
Munster Mag
Sep 1, 2018 at 8:54 AM
Comment #2Ritchie a huge loss today
Jail for Ashley
Sep 1, 2018 at 8:58 AM
Comment #3Munster,
You were either backed or you weren’t. If you are going to spend the season slating him for every defeat then carry on, you will eventually have more people agreeing with you that this is his best gig, his managerial abilities should be questioned and he’s past his best as a modern manager. You can then gloat all you like about how you and all the other clever posters where right all along. Your drum beating will finally pay off and you’ll go down in blog folklore as Munster the clever.
Jail for Ashley
Sep 1, 2018 at 9:09 AM
Comment #4I hope there’s been some kind of virus in the Man City hotel this morning.
Munster Mag
Sep 1, 2018 at 9:12 AM
Comment #5Jail we had enough assets on the pitch to beat forest. Work it out ya halfwit. I suppose the fact that Ashley didn’t spend 50mill means forest can beat us and its Ashley’s fault? Not the players or coaches. Nutter.
toon22
Sep 1, 2018 at 9:14 AM
Comment #6With the squad we have if we dont hammer City today i think Rafa should go
LMFAO
I think the parliment letter is asking why SD seem to be bleeding a football club of funds
Basically MAs empire of exploitation.
Nrwcastle just higlight his devious ecploitative ways with his companies and staff
Its not just about football
Munster Mag
Sep 1, 2018 at 9:16 AM
Comment #7Jail if we had created a few more chances v Chelsea and still defended doggedly, I would not have been so annoyed. As robleenio said, Rafa might make this happen over time this season. I’m happy to go along with that. Similarly if we play, say Southampton at home and we create little and they dominate us, then yes I might be peed off and have a go at the manager depending on the game. Stop being so absolutist.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Sep 1, 2018 at 9:18 AM
Comment #8See bookies are giving odds of 7/2 for Aguero to score a hat-trick
Wonder what odds on a Joselu hat-trick??