Newcastle United ‘leader’ breaks silence on surprise Matthias Jaissle omission
Jacob Murphy was a surprise omission from Newcastle United’s Player Leadership Group.
Jacob Murphy insists his role at Newcastle United remains unchanged after being left out of Matthias Jaissle’s Player Leadership Group.
The 31-year-old was part of the group last season, but club captain Dan Burn is now the only remaining member following a summer of significant change on Tyneside.
Kieran Trippier left at the end of his contract in June, before then-captain Bruno Guimaraes went on to join Premier League champions Arsenal. Nick Pope and Murphy remained at the club, but both were replaced as Joelinton, Malick Thiaw, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Miley joined Burn as part of the five-man group.
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Pope’s omission was expected after United gave the former England international permission to leave during the summer following the arrivals of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen. However, Murphy’s absence came as a huge surprise, particularly after Jaissle referenced his leadership qualities when fending off interest from Nottingham Forest, who had a £15million bid for the winger rejected.
‘Nothing’s changed’ - Jacob Murphy on squad role
But despite the attention surrounding his omission, Murphy insists nothing has changed, with the winger continuing to be a prominent voice in what is now a young dressing room after the arrival of eight new signings, all of whom are 24 or under.
“My position hasn't changed for the last few years,” Murphy said. “I've always been, for the last few years, a senior player. Even when we had all the names that we had last year, I was seen as a leader and that's not changed now.
“I try to influence and keep the boys in check, try to set the standard, communicate as much as I can, but it takes total buy-in from everyone. You have to be willing to listen and learn.
“It's a responsibility for all of the older players to show the younger lads what this league is about and what it's going to take. It's not as simple as just getting through the week and then you turn up and you're playing in the Premier League. This is the top league in the world.
“We're getting there and we're learning the importance, but with that it's going to take time.
“My role has not changed, it’s to add value whenever I can. I had a specific role today, which I thought I carried out very well, which helped give solidity to the team and give us good structure.”