Newcastle United captain Dan Burn has defended Matthias Jaissle amid increasing criticism.

Dan Burn has insisted Newcastle United’s players are adjusting to Matthias Jaissle’s tactics.

The Magpies have faced criticism for their tactical naivety in recent weeks. Jaissle - a student of the Red Bull system - has dismissed the idea of changing his philosophy to suit the team.

Sean Steur - who impressed from the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Everton - is also someone Newcastle fans have called for. Combined with concerns over a lack of quality after United sold their three best players and it is easy to see why alarm bells are ringing around Tyneside.

The Gazette gauged fan sentiment towards Jaissle across several social media platforms following the Everton setback - with 46.8 per cent wanting him gone. Those backing the German (50.06 per cent) formed a slender majority.

It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle players are “confused” by Jaissle’s tactics. Fans online have attempted to work out whether there is a mole in the Magpies camp - but Burn remains steadfast behind the manager.

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Dan Burn backs Matthias Jaissle tactics

“Yes, I do think we are (getting to grips with Jaissle’s system), but I think you still have to understand we've had a two-week pre-season and we're 11 games into the season,” the skipper told The Gazette. “So we're not three weeks in, but there's still plenty of time for us to learn and get that.

“I think when you're picking up results, it does build confidence, but we're very inconsistent at the moment and I think that's where a lot of confidence is coming from. I'll say what I said before. We need that stability and unity between us as players, us as a staff and us as a club to push on and have that us-against-the-world mentality.”

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‘Easy in hindsight’ - Dan Burn on transfer window

Burn was also asked if the club’s hierarchy failed to give Jaissle the tools in the transfer market. Preferring to look at what the senior players can do, the 34-year-old highlighted Steur’s display as a positive.

“It's easy to say that in hindsight but I think it's up to us as senior players to help out those younger players,” Burn added. “I know for a fact what I've seen in there, the potential from some of those young players is huge.

“I was really happy with how Sean Steur did when he came on tonight, although he's still only 18 years old and he's a young player. So we need to tame our expectations with him.

“I think that's up to us. There's plenty of senior lads here who've been here and know what it takes to win at this level. It's about us really setting an example going into this next game.”

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