STEVE BRUCE feared for his future after Newcastle’s 5-0 loss at Leicester.
The Geordie came under fire from fans after that ten-man September surrender left Toon in the drop zone.
Steve Bruce feared for his future after Newcastle’s 5-0 loss at LeicesterCredit: AFP or licensors
And Bruce admits that, by dishing out some “home truths” in the King Power post-mortem, he was worried he may lose the dressing room.
Instead, the Newcastle boss saw his players respond by beating Manchester United the following week — with Matty Longstaff scoring the winner on his Prem debut.
It was one of six victories in 11 games before back-to-back defeats post-Christmas.
But recalling September’s shambles ahead of today’s return visit of Leicester, Bruce said: “All I expect is someone to put their boots on and have a go. If they do that for me, then fine.
“On that occasion, I don’t think we covered ourselves in glory.
“They were told in no uncertain terms, ‘To play for me, that’s what you have to do’. When you deliver some home truths, when you go to the wire, the one thing you need is a response.
Bruce admits that by dishing out some ‘home truths’ in the King Power post-mortem, he was worried he may lose the dressing roomCredit: Reuters
“If they down tools, then you’ve had it. But the response from them has been very good.
“The 2-1 defeat to Everton on Saturday was the first time we’d been beaten at home since Arsenal in August.
“Their resilience and their effort and endeavour, I can’t fault.
“Yes, we’d love a bit more quality at certain times.
“But their effort and endeavour and spirit is there to see.”
Bruce resorted to a back three after losing at Leicester.
He said: “I think we’ve found a system that suits the players we’ve got. When we go away from that, I think we’re vulnerable.
When you deliver some home truths, when you go to the wire, the one thing you need is a response.
Steve Bruce
“We’ve settled into a pattern of being difficult to play against and playing on the counter-attack and that’s what we are.
“It’s something we’ve done OK with, the players are comfortable with it and we’ve had a few results with it too.”
Bruce wants to shuffle his pack today but has limited options and is the latest boss to blast the hectic festive schedule.
Their opponents Leicester won 2-1 at West Ham on Saturday despite making nine changes to the side that lost at Liverpool on Boxing Day. Bruce added: “To make as many as that is pretty drastic.
“But we’re all wanting four or five changes. It’s ludicrous. You’re asking questions of the well-being of some of them.
“We have to do something about it in this country. It isn’t right.
“I know it’s the festive period but it’s ridiculous when you see some of the states that they’re in.”
Newcastle start 2020 in 11th — six points off fifth and only seven points clear of the bottom three.
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And asked about his targets, Bruce added: “We are just outside the top ten with it all to play for, so let’s enjoy the ride.
“My job since I’ve walked through the door is to try to take the club forward.
“Two years ago we were in the Championship, so it’s early doors for the club as far as I see it. It would be great to have a few additions, whether that’s January or the summer, so be it.”
Leicester battered Bruce’s Toon Army in their last league clashCredit: Reuters
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
