Former Newcastle United midfielder Jermaine Jenas has defended John Carver following comments made by the Magpies boss on Thursday.

The 50-year-old, whose United side have lost their last eight games, caused a stir when he suggested that he was "the best coach in the Premier League".

Jenas worked with Carver when he was assistant to Bobby Robson at St James' Park, and the 32-year-old says that the comments were simply misinterpreted by the media.

"I don't think he's referring to the fact that he's the best 'manager' in the league," Jenas told BBC Sport.

"I know John really well, and as a 'coach' he was fantastic. He was brilliant with the players.

"The problem is that these quotes will get blown sky high, given the world of social media that we live in these days."

Newcastle sit two points above the relegation zone.