This is killing me, it’s eating me up that we’re not getting results
CARROLL SUFFERS WITH FANS
ANDY CARROLL says Newcastle’s slump has caused him sleepless nights and left him exhausted with worry.
The past two months have “eaten” him up and the big striker says Toon players have suffered along with fans.
Steve Bruce’s men have lost 10 of their past 13 games, with just one win – against Everton last Saturday.
They stand just two places above the bottom three and will be without defenders Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett when Southampton visit today, while Jamal Lewis is struggling.
Allan Saint-Maximin is fit to start further forward and new loan midfielder Joe Willock will be involved.
Carroll said: “You can go around the training ground and see it is weighing heavily. It is tough but we’ve got to get through it and weather the storm.
“It’s killing me. It’s eating me up. The gaffer pulled me over the other day and said he could see it was driving me mad.
“It was bugging me, it was eating up my head... I just can’t cope with it.
“We’ve given it a go in the past two games. But it’s driving everyone crazy.”
Carroll has made three starts in the past six games but gets “angry” when he is left on the bench by Bruce, who also has Callum Wilson, Saint-Maximin,
Ryan Fraser, Joelinton and Dwight Gayle to pick from up front.
Carroll said: “It is also frustrating sitting on the bench or playing the last
10 minutes.
“If you accept being on the bench, what’s the point of being a footballer? Every time I don’t get on or don’t start, I’m angry – even if it’s the right decision.
“When I do come on for the last 10 minutes I try to smash a couple of people around a bit. After the game you’re sitting in bed and I can’t sleep.
“My head’s going over it all and I’m sitting thinking, ‘If only this happened’. It wears you out, it tires you out.”
Carroll knows there is only one way to get out of the rut, saying: “You have to go to training, work hard, listen to the manager, listen to the lads, encourage the lads and stay positive.”
Bruce said: “Brighton have had a good two weeks, winning three out of four. We got to 18, 19 points quickly and have been stuck. Let’s hope we can skittle through the 20s. “The reason you are in the bottom half is because you’ve had a bad spell. Two wins in a week would be a good return. “People say get to 40 points, 38, 35 last year. It has been such a peculiar season.
“There is pressure as manager of Newcastle. Bottom half, or chasing for Europe, that horrible word pressure is used.You handle it and get on with it.”