Former Premier League goalkeeper Chris Kirkland believes it would be ‘absurd’ for Newcastle manager Steve Bruce to be replaced by a more high-profile manager such as Mauricio Pochettino in the event of a takeover.
Bruce’s Magpies currently occupy 13th place in the English top flight having won three of their eight fixtures so far. When it looked as though a takeover of the club was close to being completed, there was much speculation with regards to whether or not the 59-year-old would be kept in the job or moved on to make space for somebody deemed to be more high-profile.
Speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, Kirkland spoke positively with regards to the experienced coach. Here is what he had to say:
“He just knows a gem when he’s got one and I’d love to see him get money to spend at Newcastle.”
Whilst Kirkland, who worked under the Toon boss at Wigan Athletic, expressed his desire to see Bruce given greater financial backing at St. James’ Park, it appears he isn’t sure whether he will be afforded that luxury.
He added: “Whether that’ll happen or not, you know, they don’t spend much money, do they, Newcastle – until they get taken over, but then there’s the talk if they get taken over, will they sack him and get a Pochettino in or get somebody else in, which is absurd for me. But nothing should surprise you in football.”
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Bruce was appointed in July 2019 and last season guided the team to 13th place, 10 points clear of the drop zone – the same position achieved by Rafael Benitez during the 2018/19 campaign.
It’s not clear whether or not the current Newcastle boss would have remained in charge had the takeover been completed, but for the time being, Mike Ashley remains the owner and given he is still actively looking to sell the club having engaged in legal proceedings with the Premier League over the failed Saudi-backed takeover, Kirkland may have had a point when he questioned whether or not the club would be willing to “spend much money” prior to the Magpies changing hands.
Regardless of what some of the fans think, we can assume, based on the fact Kirkland said a decision to replace Bruce would be “absurd”, he is fully behind the current Newcastle United boss.