Steve Bruce press conference: Newcastle manager on his critics, Sean Longstaff and ‘very, very good’ Tottenham
Steve Bruce has called for calm amid rising discontent over Newcastle’s winless start to the new Premier League season.
A home defeat by Arsenal during the opening weekend of the campaign was followed by a comprehensive 3-1 reverse at promoted Norwich last weekend, prompting an angry reaction from fans already disenchanted by Rafael Benitez’s departure and Bruce’s appointment.
And while not wanting to comment too much on those criticising him, Bruce used his pre-Tottenham press conference to highlight the fact he’s been in charge of the Magpies for just two games.
The under-fire boss also discussed various other topics in his press conference, including the latest team news, Sean Longstaff, Sunday’s clash with Spurs, and the incredible claims made by Michael Chopra on talkSPORT earlier this week.
You can read the highlights of Bruce’s press conference below…
On Newcastle’s ‘mini-crisis’
“After two games there is a so-called mini crisis. Everything is over sensationalised. There’s always a storm in Newcastle. At the minute we’re in one.
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“The only way I can shut a few people up is by getting results. The buck stops with me.”
On Michael Chopra’s talkSPORT claims
“The Michael Chopra thing was blown out of all proportion. It’s laughable, really.
“I’m just surprised that people take any attention of him. Some of the stuff is just fabricated and lies.
“When it’s like that, you think why is that making national headlines – which is total rubbish.”
On his critics
Sam Allardyce says Newcastle should give Steve Bruce time
“I always knew the only way I can shut a few people up is by getting results.
“It’s not for me to comment on what’s been said but there’s often a storm in Newcastle. It’s two games and I just want it to be fair and responsible.
“I know the only way I can shut people up is by winning games and I know the quicker the better.”
On Sean Longstaff
“I detected he was a bit ginger with his knee, which was understandable. I had a conversation, it’s normal to miss a game or two to make sure he’s ready. When he came on, he had an immediate influence; we were much better.”
On his team vs Tottenham
“We may tinker a bit and change a couple of things. It’s too early to change formations.
“[Longstaff] has been out for the best part of five months. I was trying to protect him. It’s normal and he may have to miss a day or two.
“When he came on against Norwich he had an immediate influence. Him and his brother have impressed me.
“It’s still too early for Carroll and Gayle.”
On the defeat by Norwich
“We didn’t play well enough – quite simply. And I think the players fully understand that. It’s a bit early for soul searching – we have to perform better than we did last week, and I’m sure we will.”
On Newcastle’s new players struggling
“It’s new for [Joelinton] – it’s new for four or five players. Given time, we hope they can forge some sort of relationship.
“For Almiron, we’re working on getting him higher up the pitch and into a goalscoring position.”
On Tottenham
“They’re a very, very good side.
“We’re under no illusions as to how difficult it will be, but hopefully it’s just the right type of game for us.
“We know we’ll have to play well to get anything at all – far better than we did last week.”
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