Soccer

Pep Guardiola is the latest manager to come out in support of Steve Bruce

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: Newcastle manager Steve Bruce gives the thumbs up to the crowd prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on October 17, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is the latest Premier League manager to support Steve Bruce, following his sacking by Newcastle United. On Wednesday, Bruce left the club by mutual consent, just three days after taking charge of his 1000th game as a manager. The sacking of Bruce has been on the cards since the club’s takeover was completed two weeks ago.

Pep Guardiola reminded everyone what a good man Steve Bruce is following some horrible treatment from Newcastle fans, board members, and media alike.

“He is an exceptional gentleman, always take care of me so nicely and I wish him all the best. I would tell him not to pay much attention to the comments because it is bullshit.”

Pep Guardiola
BRUGGE, BELGIUM - OCTOBER 19: Coach Pep Guardiola of Manchester City during the Group A - UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge KV and Manchester City at Jan Breydelstadion on October 19, 2021 in Brugge, Belgium. (Photo by Perry van de Leuvert/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Perry van de Leuvert/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Steve Bruce admitted that Newcastle could be his last job in management after finding it “very, very tough” to deal with the treatment he received from the club.

“To never really be wanted. To feel that people wanted me to fail. Read people constantly saying I would fail, that I was useless. A fat waste of space, a stupid, tactically inept cabbage-head or whatever. And it was from day one. It was ridiculous and persistent, even when the results were good.”

Steve Bruce

Bruce opening up on the treatment he received while at Newcastle struck a chord with managers around the Premier League, and many have come out in support of the 60-year-old.

“I was really sad after reading that statement from Steve. You�re talking about someone that�s been in the game over 40 years, that has managed over 1,000 games. He�s telling you with that experience that he struggled with that kind of abuse. We can�t take for granted that things are the way they are. We are here to improve and change them. I think we have to think about it when one of the most experienced managers in English history is telling you something.”

Mikel Arteta

“It is part of the job. Not saying it’s right. When it gets to an unacceptable level, I think Steve’s point was. That someone with the respect in the game that he’s got. Player, coach, manager. For him to say that it must have gone too far because he’s a wise rounded fella in his life aswell as his career. If he’s saying it their is some strength to his words. An unfortunate side of the job.”

Sean Dyche

The saddest aspect of Bruce’s situation in Newcastle is the fact the abuse was unjustified. In his two full seasons in charge, Bruce guided the club to 13th & 12th place finishes in the Premier League. on a shoestring budget. Nearly identical finishes to the previous manager, Rafael Benitez, who led the team to 10th & 13th place finishes following relegation in his first year in charge. Yet Benitez was viewed as a god by Newcastle fans.

The only hope now for the watching world is that Steve Bruce gets at least one more job as a manager to end his career on a high note. But more importantly, to put this Newcastle nightmare behind him. The fans, ownership, and nearly everyone involved with Newcastle treated Bruce terribly. Thankfully his colleagues outside of the club know the honest Steve Bruce, one of the good guys in football.

Leave a Comment