Jamaal Lascelles reacts to Steve Bruce leaving Newcastle

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Jamaal Lascelles has admitted that the departure of Steve Bruce ‘was brewing’ at Newcastle.

The 60-year-old was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, with the club confirming that he has left by mutual consent.

Graeme Jones will now take interim charge, as the new owners search for Bruce’s replacement. Paulo Fonseca is reportedly leading the race.

Jones will be tasked with boosting the players after another defeat, losing 3-2 to Tottenham on Sunday.

The new owners reportedly decided on Monday to change manager, and Lascelles doesn’t sound surprised by their decision.

“It was kind of brewing wasn’t it?” Lascelles told NUFC TV.

“We all knew from looking at social media and stuff like that. He’s a well respected man. Obviously his 1000th game as a manager – that says a lot in itself. He’s a well respected man in the game with a lot of experience.

“The time here, obviously we had a lot of ups and downs, but that’s part of football. Ultimately, when we’re performing how we do as players, it’s going to put a lot of heat on the manager.

“It shouldn’t all fall down on him, I think as players we need to be accountable and look at ourselves as well as it comes to a point when sometimes it doesn’t matter who’s in charge.

“I’d like to wish him all the best and good luck to him and his family in whatever else he decides to do.”

Jamaal Lascelles must improve under new manager

Lascelles has summed things up pretty well with regards to Bruce.

The writing was on the wall for a while, and, like the fans, the players were likely sat waiting for the news to be confirmed.

But the captain is right, the players haven’t been good enough either. There needs to be a huge improvement, no matter who the next manager is.

Players know they will be fighting for their future now, and Lascelles is no different.

The 27-year-old returned from injury against Spurs, but really struggled alongside Ciaran Clark.

There was reportedly a lot of anger after the game, with the Daily Mail stating that Lascelles and Isaac Hayden had to be pulled apart.

Things need to improve on the pitch, starting on Saturday against Crystal Palace.

The players will be under huge pressure to perform, and prove that they are good enough to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.

Everyone must stand up and be counted, including Lascelles.