Newcastle were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa last night to make it five defeats in succession in all competitions.
After the game Steve Bruce spoke to Sky Sports and delivered some comments that should leave supporters baffled.
Despite managing just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, Bruce claimed he saw enough from his team to feel encouraged.
After the game, he spoke with Sky Sports and made the comments which will surely leave supporters dumbfounded.
He said: “We’ve gifted them a goal and after that it was difficult.
“There were large parts I was pleased about. I’ve seen enough to be encouraged. We’ve got to accept the defeat but there’s enough to work on.
“We’ve found it difficult but I’ve seen enough of the squad, we’re not as ravaged as we were with injuries and that can only be a good thing.”
Bruce managed to get Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser on the pitch late on in the game and that at least did provide a pleasing aspect.
The results are alarming though and it won’t delight supporters to hear Bruce make such comments after another abject display.
What next for Newcastle?
With Leeds and Everton to come in the next week, things could get worse before they get any better.
Right now it’s difficult to envisage where Newcastle’s next point comes from, such has been the level of performances lately.
It’s never nice to see managers lose their jobs but after spending some decent money in the summer, Bruce has to be under pressure.
With players like Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis added in the summer, results should be far better.
Losing games might be accepted more if Newcastle had an identity and supporters could at least see a plan in place.
At the moment, the Magpies look void of ideas going forward, hapless at the back and fragile in the middle of the park.
Bruce can dress the current form up however he likes.
Ultimately though the buck stops with him as the club’s boss.
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