Matias Fernandez-Pardo joined Newcastle United from Lille for £51million in the summer.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been a big talking point among Newcastle United supporters following Monday night's 4-1 defeat to Coventry City.
The 21-year-old missed a golden chance to score his first Newcastle goal since joining from French club Lille for £51million on transfer deadline day.
The Magpies were trailing 1-0 to Jack Rudoni’s sixth-minute penalty when Fernandez-Pardo rounded goalkeeper Carl Rushworth but, with the goal empty, saw his shot blocked by Bobby Thomas.
Coventry City's English goalkeeper #19 Carl Rushworth saves a shot from Newcastle United's Belgian striker #20 Matias Fernandez-Pardo during the English Premier League football match between Coventry City and Newcastle United at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry, central England on October 12, 2026.placeholder image
Coventry City's English goalkeeper #19 Carl Rushworth saves a shot from Newcastle United's Belgian striker #20 Matias Fernandez-Pardo during the English Premier League football match between Coventry City and Newcastle United at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry, central England on October 12, 2026. | AFP via Getty Images
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It was a miss that proved costly as Sidiki Cherif went on to double Coventry’s lead early in the second half. Sven Botman pulled a goal back on 70 minutes but Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni scored twice late on to inflict a heavy defeat on Matthias Jaissle’s side.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo ‘lacking confidence’
After the game, Jaissle suggested Fernandez-Pardo needs a goal to boost his confidence, and that sentiment was shared by supporters over on our NewcastleWorld Facebook page.
Tony Lane said: “He looks like he’s lacking confidence. Looks like he hasn't settled. He needs something to go his way.”
Stephen Wood said: “The lad needs a goal badly to get some confidence. Keep the faith.”
Andy Withers said: “Lacking confidence and looks nervous. I'm sure he's got a lot to offer but not happening for the lad at the moment. Just gotta get behind him like we do all our players and pray they come good.”
Janet Finley said: “He is very quick. Still getting used to the Premier League. He just needs time.”
Meanwhile, others cast doubt over Fernandez-Pardo’s ability to play as the central striker, instead believing that he is better suited as a winger.
Paul Miller said: “He’s not a striker, he’s definitely a winger!! I get it, he’s quick, but he should be on the flanks. When he went out there, he had the beating of their fullbacks.”
James Mcgill said: “Always hope the new boy fits in and proves his worth. Hopefully, he will find his form. And yes, he is a winger.. put him out there.”
Jim Ian Wilkinson said: “In my opinion, he's a winger, not a striker. He has fabulous speed. He will come good.”