Newcastle United's difficult start to the season is beginning to raise further questions about Matthias Jaissle's tactical approach, with reports suggesting that several players are seeking greater clarity over exactly what is expected of them on the pitch.
The German head coach arrived at St James' Park with a reputation for developing young players, implementing an aggressive pressing system and playing an intense, vertically focused style of football. However, translating those ideas into consistent Premier League performances has proved considerably more difficult than anticipated.
Following a series of disappointing results, concerns are growing over whether Newcastle's players are fully understanding or adapting to the demands being placed upon them by their new manager.
Jaissle was appointed with the intention of taking Newcastle into a new era, moving towards a more modern and aggressive approach. His preferred system places considerable emphasis on coordinated pressing, quick transitions, positional discipline and playing forward whenever opportunities arise.
In theory, those principles should suit a Newcastle squad possessing considerable athleticism, technical quality an...