John Carver continues to believe he is the right man to steer Newcastle United clear of relegation after making this outlandish claim during his latest press conference: "I still think Im the best coach in the Premier League." The Magpies interim head coach made the astonishing assertion during his pre-match press conference ahead of West Bromwich Albion's visit to St James' Park on Saturday. Newcastle have lost eight matches in a row in the Premier League for the first time in their history and Carver has collected an average of just 0.5 points per game (from 16 matches in total) since taking charge at the turn of the year. If Carver continued in charge of Newcastle for an entire 38-game season, the club would collect just 19 points - which is already seven less than the current tally basement boys Burnley have. Despite all of this, and Newcastle's alarming slide down the Premier League table - they sit just two points and three places above Sunderland, who are 18th - Carver still maintains he is the "best coach" in the English top flight. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Carver explained why he is the man to keep Newcastle in the Premier League. He said:
"I have got the backing of Mike (Ashley) and Lee (Charnley) and that is enough. "I still think I'm the best coach in the Premier League."
Carver has had just two victories as boss, over Hull City (3-0) and Aston Villa (1-0), and three draws - against Burnley (3-3), Stoke City (1-1) and Crystal Palace (1-1). The other 11 Premier League matches have ended in defeats - including the last eight in a row - and the interim head coach was even in charge for the Magpies 1-0 FA Cup third-round loss at Leicester City. This all begs the question: If Newcastle are relegated, will Carver still think he is the "best coach" in England? For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.