Souness on the defensive
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness says the critics should leave his defenders alone.
Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has defended his centre back partnership of Titus Bramble and Jean-Alain Boumsong after heavy criticism of the pair.The Magpies have been vulnerable at the back this term, and Souness's job is believed to be under threat after failing to lead his side into the top half of the table despite extensive summer investment in the squad.
A catalogue of defensive errors have marred their season, and the Tyneside outfit were lucky that Gareth Barry missed from the penalty spot last Saturday after Bramble's reckless tackle handed Aston Villa the chance to win at St James' Park.
The relative merits of the duo have been scrutinised unfavourably on many occasions, and Souness has called on the critics to lay off - insisting both Boumsong and Bramble are well aware of the issues that need to be addressed.
"Criticism is part of the business we all have to deal with," said Souness.
"But it is very simple to study re-run after re-run.
"You can do it with any game of football and pick out mistakes, it is easy.
The centre backs are big boys and they know when they've made mistakes.
"They don't need the experts to remind them of it."
Addressing former Ipswich man Bramble in particular, Souness insisted the stopper needs to learn to maintain his concentration for the full 90 minutes if he is to replicate his promising form from last term.
"Titus was outstanding in the second half of last season and he has to get back to that," Souness continued.
"He could have lost us that game against Villa through lack of concentration.
"For 88 minutes I had no qualms with him, he corrected that flaw in his game last season and he needs to do that again.
"He has to learn to concentrate at vital times.
"Top defenders do it for 94-95 minutes of a game. Titus knows."
