Newcastle United need Bruno Guimaraes to get back to his best.
The 26-year-old is one of multiple Newcastle United stars that have endured tough starts to the season, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon also failing to hit the heights they achieved last year.
But there is certainly more pressure on Bruno Guimaraes to deliver, as he is the Newcastle United captain. He was awarded the armband ahead of the 2024/25 season, despite Kieran Trippier still being at the club.
The Brazilian midfielder has started all five of Newcastle’s Premier League games so far, but has rarely excelled. Bruno did well against Southampton on the opening day, but that has proven to be his best performance.
He even made a big error last week, gifting Fulham a third goal as Marco Silva’s side beat Newcastle 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
After that game, Bruno admitted on social media that he needs to play better.
Eddie Howe comments on Bruno Guimaraes’ start to the season
Fans are eager to see Bruno Guimaraes get back to his best, and so is Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle United manager has spoken about Bruno during his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City, and given some insight into perhaps why he has struggled to get up to speed this season.
“For someone like Bruno – he had a very compacted summer, he had a lot going on,” he said.
“He comes back, really short of training time, straight into the games. And then, probably at a time when we’d want to do some real work with him, he goes back away, long flights.
“It is difficult for the international players, especially the ones that have to travel such big distances because we lose time with them and they come back to us too fatigued to work again.
“Bruno is someone who is very keen to do well. He knows he has to try and give more to the team. I think there is a real desire from him to help the team and get back to his very best levels.
“I back his quality. There is no denying the character, the player, but he’s such a vital part of our team. He conducts so much for us that we need him back to his best levels.”
Manchester City match is perfect time for Bruno Guimaraes to get back to his best
Newcastle United played 51 games last season, with Bruno featuring in 50 of them. Then he went to the Copa America with Brazil.
It has been a relentless spell for the former Lyon man, who has since been away again on international duty.
The way Howe has put it, it is no wonder that Bruno is not quite at the usual level that Toon fans have become accustomed to.
But there does need to be an improvement, and Bruno is understandably eager to get back to his best.
This weekend is the perfect opportunity, up against a side that did not think he was worth £100million this summer.
Manchester City chose not to activate Bruno’s release clause this summer, believing he was worth less than the £100million he would cost.
That was to Newcastle’s advantage, as it ensured the the Brazil international remained at St James’ Park.
But that could act as added motivation for Bruno this weekend, as Newcastle United prepare to face Manchester City in Saturday’s 12:30pm kick-off.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
