Steve Bruce admits his Newcastle players are low on confidence

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Steve Bruce has admitted his Newcastle United players are currently struggling with their confidence, amid a dismal run of results.

The Magpies are without a win in 10 matches across all competitions and recently went out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

The club have been sliding ever closer to the relegation zone, with seven points now separating them from Fulham, who have a game in hand.

During the slump, Newcastle have really struggled to keep clean sheets, create chances and score goals – three hallmarks of a competitive team.

The body language of some has been startling, and Bruce has acknowledged that morale is low right now.

He said in his press conference yesterday (via Sky Sports): “There’s no disputing that we’re on a difficult run and the quicker you get a result, the better. All you can do is prepare as best you can and try to ignore the noise.

“We need to go and get a result. I’ve seen little bits [of promise] but confidence is a little bit low.”

Newcastle are in action against Leeds United tonight and it is an absolutely must-win game against a side that ran out 5-2 winners in the reverse fixture on December 16.

Players need inspiration

Bruce is selling it short – the team currently look devoid of confidence it seems, and that is understandable given the run of results.

They need someone to light a fire beneath them, but one gets the feeling Bruce just isn’t the man to do that.

The reaction from the players after the Villa defeat was very telling – it was almost as if they all accepted a relegation battle is looming, and that there is no confidence in the man currently at the helm to lead them away from it.