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Opinion

Steve McClaren confirms Gouffran in leadership group

9 years ago
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Asked about who will be Newcastle Captain this coming season, Steve McClaren refused to commit, even though it is now less than two weeks until the start of the season.

In the absence of a defined leader, the Newcastle Head Coach instead took the line of every player should be a Captain out on the pitch…

A cute line but not realistic, some players are suited to inspiring others around them, whilst others just need to get on with concentrating on doing what they have to do.

McClaren also claimed that a captain in football wasn’t as vital as in cricket or rugby, which I don’t really agree with – the same principles apply surely and you need leadership in any sports team.

Into the captaincy debate, the United boss also revealed he has established a ‘senior leadership group’, which is where he has picking his captains match by match from in the friendlies.

“I am still throwing that (Newcastle captaincy) around at the present moment and I can understand the importance of captains in cricket and rugby.

“To be honest, I want 11 captains out there. I want them all wearing an armband and being leaders.

Leadership:

“We have developed a senior leadership group since we have come in and the ones who are taking the armband in the matches are part of that group.

“I want them to show their seniority and experience on the field but I want 11 people like that out there, not just one.”

So far Steve McClaren’s captains have been:

Gateshead – Jack Colback & Cheick Tiote

Club Atlas – Jack Colback

Sacramento – Jack Colback

Portland – Moussa Sissoko & Yoan Gouffran

Sheffield Utd – Daryl Janmaat

With the fitness of Fabricio Coloccini still in doubt and even whether he will still be at Newcastle this coming season, I find it hard to pick a clear alternative, though I would definitely replace Colo regardless.

Of the five Captains used so far, I can’t see how you could give it to Cheick Tiote, whilst Moussa Sissoko definitely didn’t inspire last season when given the honour.

Yoan Gouffran would just be bizarre as the selection, which leaves Colback and Janmaat as credible candidates.

The ginger Geordie looks in prime position having been given the job three times already pre season.

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