A lot of Newcastle United fans have flocked to a post from NUFC 360, which has relayed comments made by Steve Bruce regarding the formation that his side play.
The Toon boss speaking at his press conference (via The Chronicle), claimed that his ‘preferred way of playing’ is a 4-2-3-1 formation and used Newcastle’s game against Bournemouth last season as an example of that.
Still, he then claimed that if his side ‘played that way against the big teams’ they would get ‘turned over.’
This has drawn the attention of many Toon fans, who are embarrassed by these claims from Bruce.
So, what did these Toon fans think of Bruce’s comments?
Actually embarrassing. He’ll be gone by Christmas. Couple of bad results and the players will turn on him. Even if Ashley doesn’t want to get rid, a squad not playing for the manager = relegation, one thing Ashley CANNOT let happen if he is to sell.
— Wise Words (@ItsBabsHere) November 26, 2020
Turns out that game was a one off under Bruce, him referring back to it is pretty desperate stuff after 16 months in charge. Under Bruce every other PL side is one of the “Big Teams”. Bruce has more excuses then Pards and that really is saying something.
— Brady (@Brady1892) November 26, 2020
20 years as a manager! What an absolute waste of his time ????
— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) November 26, 2020
That is disgraceful . He should hand in his resignation immediately.
— ron dixon (@oldfella1) November 26, 2020
Are you annoyed by these claims?
Yes, what is he talking about
No, he makes some valid points
If you look at the formations that Newcastle have played since Bruce took over, you can see that on just three occasions in the Premier League, Newcastle have played Bruce’s ‘preferred‘ formation of 4-2-3-1, which seems odd considering he apparently likes it so much.
This post continued to draw in angry Newcastle fans.
Just stop talking steve
— Jack ?? (@jchaytor16) November 26, 2020
Bet the players feel full of confidence when the boss says they will get turned over? Players must look at his PL stats and think we are going to get turned over! We have a decent squad, but this guy must frustrate them. #NUFC
— 1516 ????? (@Producer1516) November 26, 2020
The players must have full confidence in their ability after all the dross that comes out of his mouth!
— Mark Doyle (@Doyler88kek) November 26, 2020
Also, apart from the so-called ‘big six’ Bruce has played five at the back in 14 other games against other sides, so it seems that he either considers Newcastle to be a smaller team than the likes of Southampton and Norwich City, or he doesn’t know what he is talking about.
Looking at comments like these, we can see why so many Toon fans are frustrated with Bruce.