It’s been the Wild West at Newcastle United lately. A western with no shots fired at times.
But a sheriff needs his trigger-shy gunslinger to deliver more than ever right now - it’s time step up to the plate Jacob Murphy, Matthias Jaissle needs you.
Anthony Elanga is set for an extended spell on the sidelines - MRI scans conducted on Thursday will decide the length. He needs replaced, and with the market not an option, the head coach must look within.
But let’s be honest about this, Jaissle is not exactly stacked with alternatives. And, as uncomfortable as that may be for some, all roads point to Murphy, even if he looks the least prepared for it right now.
As Jaissle says publicly, he loves him for his experience, game intelligence and ability, in short, to deliver exactly as he asks. However, and this is a huge caveat, Murphy is a confidence player whose confidence is on the floor. In a lengthening list of issues, this might be one of Jaissle’s toughest challenges - fixing the man who needs to feel loved to perform.