Opinion

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce’s extraordinary claim following sacking of Mauricio Pochettino

Add as preferred source on Google

According to the Chronicle, Steve Bruce called Tottenham’s decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino “quite remarkable” during today’s press conference, but added his “delight” at having Jose Mourinho back.

Spurs parted company with their Argentine manager on Tuesday afternoon and appointed Mourinho on Wednesday morning, with the club lying below Newcastle in the table.

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Asked about the Tottenham news, Bruce proclaimed: “If he can get the sack, we’re all goosed as far as I’m concerned.”

Bruce should know all about the pressure of working under the spotlight, with him having endured nothing but turmoil for the opening few months of his Newcastle career.

(Photo by Steven Hadlow/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

But his comments also have a ring of truth to them, and if a manager who guided a side to the Champions League final last season, can be axed after a poor run, a few short months later, it shows the lack of time and patience current club owners have.

Money is the motivating factor for Premier League club owners

Money, of course, is the biggest reason why clubs opt for snap-decisions, that often seem too hasty.

With the vast amounts involved in Premier League football nowadays, every potential dropped point that can lead to one lower spot in the final table, can cost them millions.

And while a club like Tottenham – although it has not always the case – have a different ambitions and perspective on what success looks like, compared to Newcastle, it is a warning to Bruce, and other managers, of the importance of results.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Bruce was seen as the right man for the job by Lee Charnley, despite vociferous contradictory voices from fans, but how long will he be deemed as such, if results plummet, and relegation looms large?

Mike Ashley even went as far as to say Bruce was an “amazing choice” as manager, but that will change if a Premier League exit becomes a realistic possibility.

Loyalty in football only stretches as far as your last result, and Pochettino’s sacking is a warning to Bruce that the cloud of pressure that floats above his head, is likely to be there for the long-term.