After guiding Newcastle United to just two wins in 16 games in charge, John Carver thinks John Carver is the best coach in the Premier League.
[ RELATED: Carver to remain Magpies boss ]
No. Seriously.
Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of Newcastle’s clash with West Bromwich Albion at St James’ Park (Watch live, 10 a.m. ET online via Live Extra) Carver showed no lack of self belief and declared himself ready to tackle the challenge of first keeping the Magpies in the PL this season and then taking the job if he’s offered it.
Here’s what Carver had to say about his job as interim boss until the end of the season.
Carver’s side has lost eight on the spin and he has come under intense scrutiny after publicly criticizing his players following their 3-0 defeat at Leicester City last weekend. Rumors about Steve McLaren replacing Carver have been gathering steam but earlier this week Newcastle released a statement saying officials from the club engaged in “frank dialogue” with Carver and senior players and that the long-time assistant coach would be sticking around until the end of the season despite the recent poor form.
After picking up just nine points from a possible 48, Newcastle now sit just two points above the relegation zone with three games to go. Carver may not be what he thinks he is, the best coach in the PL, but if he keeps Newcastle up then he can probably walk away with his head held high this summer.
When Alan Pardew walked out on Newcastle at the start of January to manage Crystal Palace, Carver was handed the reins to help steer Newcastle into a steady midtable position. That message of coasting through the rest of the season obviously resonated strongly with the Magpies players and their shocking form had seen the fans revolt, once again, and owner Mike Ashley has been lambasted as supporters refuse to turn up to home games in their thousands.
All in all, not a good situation at St James’ and Carver’s latest comments, well, they just seem utterly bizarre.