‘Arrogance’ - Joe Willock shares Newcastle United mindset under Matthias Jaissle

Joe Willock has opened up about discovering a new-found “arrogance” under Matthias Jaissle.

Newcastle United considered selling the 27-year-old to Besiktas over the summer. Recent seasons had seen Willock become a bit-part player at St James’ Park.

However, amid a vast exodus on Tyneside, the midfielder stayed put. Jaissle was keen to keep Willock and has given him licence to get forward.

The faith has been repaid, with Willock netting a third-minute opener against Hull City. That strike took his tally to three for the campaign - putting him level with Harvey Barnes across all competitions in the goalscoring charts.

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Joe Willock shares dad message

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Willock shared how his dad urged him to shoot more. The advice worked - with three goals already tripling his tally from last season.

“(It was a) good reaction from Monday night,” Willock said. “(The) first half was excellent but we should never have let them back in the game. A lesson to stay focused.

“I’ve been practicing with the left foot. My dad told me to start shooting more. So I told him, ‘Dad I’ll start shooting more’. So he’ll be happy! Dads are always right!”

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‘Arrogance’ - Joe Willock

Willock also discussed the need to play with “arrogance” and how much he is enjoying life at Newcastle. He added: “I’m really enjoying my football right now. I need to play and celebrate with arrogance and show people what I can do. (It was a) difficult season last year but I was happy to stay here and show what I can do.”

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