Steve McClaren showed signs of cracking under the pressure of Newcastle's relegation battle on Friday as the Magpies boss had an angry exchange with a journalist during his weekly press conference.

McClaren criticised the reporter at the club's training ground after being questioned about speculation over his future and the state of the club.

Newcastle are languishing in the Premier League relegation zone amid reports former England coach McClaren has lost the support of a large section of his squad.

A story was published in a national newspaper on Friday suggesting senior players were surprised McClaren was still in his job after such a poor season and that they expect him to be sacked if they lose to Bournemouth on Saturday.

"I've heard there have been one or two articles -- probably one main article -- and as I say, I don't read it. It doesn't help me win football matches and my concentration and focus are purely on Bournemouth and winning that game tomorrow," McClaren said.

"Someone told me about it and unfortunately it's done, obviously, by a journalist who for the last 18 months has written nothing but negative things about Newcastle, a journalist who used to work at this football club and who four or five years ago, was released from this club.

"That article that appeared is half-truths and half-lies and destabilises what we are trying to do in that dressing room.

"We have to ignore it and we have to know what we are doing, and we do."

The reporter in question then followed McClaren out of the room to confront him over the comments.

The pair later had lengthy face-to-face talks, during which it is understood apologies were offered and accepted.