According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is currently on holiday in Portugal.
This comes after the Magpies have picked up just one point from their opening three Premier League games. They have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Burnley.
On top of this, fans inside St James’ Park have already turned on the manager after a wretched first half against Southampton.
There is nothing to be excited about for Toon fans right now. There is no reason to be hopeful.
Their slow start to the campaign has been made all the more painful after a woeful transfer window that saw only Joe Willock arrive.
The club defended their transfer strategy in an explosive statement on Friday – which did not go down well with supporters.
And while all this is going on, the manager is reportedly topping up his tan during the international break. While a bit of sun will be lovely, this seems like an awful decision by Steve Bruce.
Was this really the best time for Steve Bruce to jet off to Portugal?
Bruce is under huge pressure right now.
He’s never been popular among Toon fans, but he is feeling their wrath now after a full season spent in front of no crowds.
On top of that, he’s been let down by the board, who have responded in emphatic fashion with a rare club statement.
With Manchester United away up next then a tantalising Friday night game at St James’ Park versus Leeds, things aren’t about to get any easier for Newcastle or Bruce.
So why would you think now is the best time for a holiday?
Yes, everyone deserves a break. And it’s been difficult to get away due to the global health crisis. But when your reputation is already low, why on earth would you think a holiday is a good idea right now?
Bruce’s Newcastle side look desperate. They look unorganised at the back, with multiple players playing out of position all over the pitch.
We have a system that doesn’t suit the majority of our players, while our fitness levels have looked well below the standard required.
We don’t have too many players away on international duty. This break could have been the perfect time for Bruce to put plans in place to ensure things don’t get worse.
Alas, he is taking a holiday after just a month of the new season.
This seems like a monumental error by Bruce, who can’t afford any kind of misstep right now.
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