Matthias Jaissle has apologised to Newcastle United supporters after his side suffered a damaging 4-1 defeat to Coventry City, admitting the Magpies lacked the necessary hunger in both penalty areas.
Newcastle Utd were punished by Frank Lampard’s side at the CBS Arena on Monday, conceding four goals despite creating opportunities of their own.
The result marked their second consecutive 4-1 away loss in the Premier League, following September’s defeat at Leeds United.
Apologies to the fans
“We’re frustrated. It’s a feeling you don’t want to have on a Monday evening after a match where you should win,” Jaissle told Sky Sports.
“We can only apologise to the fans who came here; they deserve a different result.”
Newcastle fell behind to Jack Rudoni’s sixth-minute penalty before Sidiki Cherif doubled Coventry’s lead shortly after the interval.
Sven Botman briefly gave the visitors hope with a stunning long-range strike, but Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni scored late on to seal Coventry’s first home Premier League victory in 25 years.
Jaissle acknowledged that Newcastle had enjoyed positive spells but insisted their shortcomings in decisive moments proved costly.
No assertion
“We need to analyse it, clearly. There were bits that were good, but in both boxes, to defend our own goal, we need to improve and also score goals,” he said.
“The opportunities were there, but the desire and hunger to finish the attacks was missing.”
Coventry manager Lampard, meanwhile, praised his players’ energy and belief after his side secured back-to-back league victories.
Renewed belief
“We played like the team we want to be here. There’s so much spirit and energy,” Lampard said.
However, the Coventry boss also urged his players to remain grounded, stressing that consistency would be essential over the remainder of the campaign.
For Newcastle Utd, the immediate priority is responding to the defeat and correcting the defensive and attacking issues exposed at Coventry.
“We need to improve on the things we can control, and that’s a lot right now,” Jaissle added.
Newcastle host Aston Villa on Saturday as they attempt to halt their slide and restore confidence ahead of a tough two-month period of league and cup fixtures.
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