McClaren decided to begin the match watching from up in the stands but by the 40th minute he was down in his dugout attempting to urge his players on and to add some intensity to a dreadful match. Unfortunately for the ex-England boss, he was largely unable to do so and that has affected his score slightly. It's harsh to mark McClaren down on the fact he started Mike Williamson in defence because he has so few options there, but the decision to put Gabriel Obertan in the starting XI is questionable. Also, bringing Chancel Mbemba on for his home debut at right-back was an unusual move, but as long as McClaren has taken stock of this - and all the other - poor Newcastle pre-season displays, learned from them and has them ready for Southampton, then this score is essentially irrelevant. Is he going to be able to organise and sort out the rotten Magpies defence by then though? It certainly seems unlikely... CLICK HERE to read the Match Report from Newcastle United 0-1 Borussia.For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
