The Daily Mail have comments made by our captain Jamaal Lascelles that are honest and also show that the squad is ready to move on and do their best to make the current situation with Steve Bruce work.
This is what Jamaal has said as reported in the Daily Mail:
“I did think when we came back that it would be quite difficult coming back and not having a manager. I thought players could go off the rails and lose their heads, but they have remained professional.
“(Change) is always difficult as players and this is the first time it has happened to us as a group. We haven’t really had any direction.
“The players have to cross the white line and you need heart, passion and desire to be able to do that. Hopefully we can bring a few new faces in as well.”
Very good words from Jamaal and he has been open about his feelings when Rafa left. The squad would have had some turmoil and we still may see a few players that want to leave.
It would be reassuring if we heard from Martin Dubravka and Fabian Schar soon as they are the two players we fear could be wanting away.
We are not as worried about Sean Longstaff at the moment as he is from the area and those ties will be strong. What Steve Bruce may lack in tactical acumen compared to Rafa Benitez, his man-management skills have always been touted as being excellent. He will be able to talk to Sean and hopefully, they can forge a good relationship.
We have heard some of his former players like Andrew Robertson come to his defense yesterday. Issac Hayden also spoke glowingly of his time under Bruce at Hull City.
Jamaal Lascelles– his leadership should help with transition to Steve Bruce
Jamaal Lascelles also has commented on what he has heard about his new head coach. He also puts the emphasis on moving on from what’s happened which will be very important.
His comments about what is expected of this team compared to the past season are very revealing to us.
“I’ve only heard positive things about him from people I’ve spoken to. He’s old school in that he wants players to work hard, behave properly.
“You know it’s always good to take your instructions from someone who has been a top player.
“I’m looking forward to it, a totally new challenge, tactics and structure. It is going to be different to what we’ve been used to.
“What happened, happened. People got upset, but it’s done now. We’ve got to look forward. We’ve got a great manager and we’ve got to remain positive.
“As a group we have been written off and proven people wrong. We’ve been tipped for relegation the last two seasons and finished 10th and 13th.
“People never have anything positive to say about us as players. We’re always being told we’re not good enough or we’re not doing something right.
“We try to do the right things.”
Again these are very good words from Jamaal. His willingness to move forward should prove vital for the squad.
We are very interested in his comments about the club being tipped for relegation the last two seasons. It is widely believed that it was Rafa Benitez’s skill as a top manager that kept this group of players out of relegation the past two years.
This squad will be eager to prove that they had some say in that as well. They will be determined to prove that there is more to this club and will have that opportunity now that Rafa has left.
If Steve Bruce can keep this club above the relegation zone, then it will be a team effort. Though a lot of this depends on getting this summer’s recruitment right, there are some superb players at this club.
Now will be their opportunity to prove that they can maintain the same level of performance without the guidance of the mighty Rafa Benitez.
51 comments so far
geordietom
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:31 PM
Comment #41mister tuff …
behave man will you … where you from essex …
Stardust
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:32 PM
Comment #42if only he hadnt gone to sunderland and brought his mackem mates here. things would be so different. I wouldnt be tortured like this.
geordietom
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:33 PM
Comment #43mister tuff your missus did’nt call me tiny tom the other night…
Bills Son Is Back
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:35 PM
Comment #44newcs,
Fans said the same about Rondon.
Mindshaft
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:35 PM
Comment #45Sadly our fan base will never be united, Rafa is probably the nearest it’s been but ultimately the majority of the geordie nation are a bunch of mugs that will buy into any old tat they are sold and still believe in a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I don’t give a toss that Bruce managed the mackems , he’s a second rate manager , as lascelles mentioned – he’s an old school manager aka Mike Bassett – England manager
Up and at em lads , Johnny Foreigner and all that bollox
Mindshaft
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:37 PM
Comment #46Bill, Jib etc, you guys should get your arses to London double quick, streets paved with gold – don’t forget your pick n shovels , if you dig up enough you can buy some new puma gear at SD
Bills Son Is Back
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:40 PM
Comment #47danishmag
Why not read what I write instead of just twisting my posts?
I’m not condoning MA at all.
I’ve said I wished he’d given Rafa the control he wanted.
Mister Tuff
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:42 PM
Comment #48tiny tom – a person playing the ill wife card like you did a couple of weeks ago would never come out with filthy talk like that about someone else’s wife.
Jib – you are a disgrace and well compartmentalized into the grouping “scumbags and shyte”.
Bills Son Is Back
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:42 PM
Comment #49Mindshaft,
Take your own advice.
There’s a good boy.
geordietom
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:53 PM
Comment #50TUFF …
you can dish it out . but cant take it …
i did not play the ill wife card for sympathy card as you put it … ( ill wife card )
and mister tuff are you one of jails alts …
do they call you mister tuff because of the shoes you wore as a kid ?…
geordietom
Jul 18, 2019 at 2:54 PM
Comment #51shite not shyte …