Tuesday 15 March 2016 08:17, UK
Jamie Carragher thinks a lack of quality in the Newcastle squad is the reason they are languishing near the foot of the Premier League table.
Rafael Benitez's side suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester to leave them one point adrift of safety with nine games left to play.
And Carragher thinks it is Newcastle's goal record that could cost them their top-flight status.
"I think a perception of Newcastle is that they have too much quality to be in this position so maybe it's a bit of an attitude problem why they are here, but I don't think it's just an attitude problem," Carragher said on Monday Night Football.
"I think there's a lack of quality. Their goal record shows there aren't enough good players and that's why they are in this situation.
"They were in this situation last year, don't forget. There has been a lot of money spent since but again we didn't see that quality in front of goal. The goal record tells you everything."
While Benitez's arrival at St James' Park has given everyone involved with the club a lift, Carragher says it will be difficult for him to cure their problems going forward.
"Sometimes when a team has a problem you can try and fix it, but Newcastle have problems at both ends," Carragher added. "They concede too many goals and don't score enough.
"It's easier for a manager, especially someone like Rafa whose forte is setting up a team, but there's lack of quality in attacking areas for Newcastle.
"It's something he can't change because you can't buy anyone."
Despite the defeat to League leaders Leicester, Carragher could see some positives for Newcastle, claiming their defensive organisation reminded him of his time working with Benitez at Liverpool.
"You could see what Rafa had worked on in his first two or three days," the former Liverpool defender said.
"It took me back to what we were doing at Liverpool. Very difficult to play through, very compact and very organised. It was difficult for Leicester."
