Exactly this. In the modern game, it's rare to find clubs which don't use their wing backs to provide width. Liverpool for instance frequently have their two wingbacks in a higher average position than the rest of their team. The difference being that they press and make clever tactical fouls when they lose possession to prevent the counter attack. They also have a quick, high energy midfield destroyers who get back and slow down the counter. We have one of the worst defences in the league, but worse defences in the past have had better defensive stats. We've got to do better to protect our fragile defence. If we have an expected goals against of more than 2.5 against Newcastle, win or lose I'd want Javi gone.
Arakel is right. The coach is in the difficult position of often having to be less than 100% frank when it comes to interviews. He may be furious with his defence - but he must keep that for the dressing-room. As with politicians, the more journalists push with probing questions the more the politician/coach must dissemble. Being a professional coach must be very frustrating, sometimes. He has to work with these people day in and day out. He may think they are crap, but he can't really say it; (and there are a number of reasons why). You and I can, though.