Newcastle United have been dealing with a lot of fatigue as of late, and Gabby Agbonlahor believes one of the Magpies’ most important players is still struggling.
We have seen the likes of Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak unable to play at full pelt at times during our relentless fixture schedule, but the games are suddenly thinning out since the turn of the year.
2024 is going to be much more relaxed for Newcastle, especially after they were completely dumped out of Europe due to finishing bottom of their Champions League group. Some pundits believe that is a blessing, while a lot of fans will wish the club had dropped into the Europa League.
During December, Newcastle were basically playing a game every three or four days. It was absolutely relentless, and Eddie Howe‘s side are now paying the price. The Magpies’ form has dipped, while Howe is under pressure from the mainstream media with questions being asked about his credentials for the first time since he initially got the job.
I would like to think the majority of Toon fans want Howe to remain as Newcastle boss no matter what, and that is a view shared by Gabby Agbonlahor, who believes tiredness has been a big issue as of late – particularly when it comes to Bruno Guimaraes.
Gabby Agbonlahor believes Bruno Guimaraes ‘looks tired’
Former Villa forward Agbonlahor has been discussing Newcastle United on TalkSPORT on Wednesday, and admitted that he thinks Bruno Guimaraes looks shattered at the moment.
“I think Eddie Howe should be given more time, he’s been really unlucky with injuries,” he said.
“I’m watching these games and I’m watching Guimaraes and he looks tired, he’s treading water. His legs are moving but he’s not going anywhere, he looks tired.”
Bruno Guimaraes has played so much football for Newcastle this season
Agbonlahor is right about Howe. He should be given more time. In fact, he should be given all the time in the world.
As for Bruno, he is one of few players who have not wavered this season. The only time he has been unavailable has been due to suspension, showing real resilience to keep on producing high level performances. Given the amount of football he has played – 2,375 minutes plus stoppage time to be precise – he should be tired.
There were moments against Liverpool on Monday when he looked knackered, and he certainly has not been as impactful during the Magpies’ past few games compared to the start of December when he was arguably playing the best football of his Toon career.
If Bruno is suffering from any kind of fatigue, he needs to get over it in time for Saturday. The derby against Sunderland is going to be season-defining, and Howe needs all of his players to stand up and deliver.
Bruno so often does on the grandest stage, proving to be Newcastle’s most reliable player week in and week out.
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