'Winner' - Champions League boss set for Bruno Guimaraes reunion after agreeing Newcastle United transfer
PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz is looking forward to a reunion with Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Bruno Guimaraes is set to lead Newcastle United out as captain in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off).
It comes almost exactly four years after the Brazilian joined Newcastle from Ligue 1 side Lyon. Back then, The Magpies were in a relegation battle and it was unclear whether Guimaraes would shine or struggle in the Premier League.
But four years on, the midfielder is widely-regarded as a club legend having twice helped the side qualify for the Champions League while also becoming the first captain to lift a major trophy for Newcastle since 1969.
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Bruno Guimaraes set for Champions League reunion
On Wednesday, he will come up against his former Lyon manager Peter Bosz, who is currently in charge of PSV.
Bosz left Lyon less than 10 months after Guimaraes was sold and boasts an excellent record in Eindhoven - leading the club to back-to-back Eredivisie titles in his two full seasons in charge.
But upon arriving at St James’ Park for his pre-match press conference, Bosz was keen to praise the current Newcastle captain as he reflected back on their time together in France.
“A great person, a real winner,” Bosz said about Guimaraes. “I remember, on my first day [at Lyon]. He was not there because he played with Brazil in the Olympics.
“He came back as an Olympic champion. You immediately saw that he is a great footballer, but also a great person. A real leader.
“We had more Brazilians. Lucas Paqueta played with us. We had some good guys.”
On the sale of Guimaraes, Bosz added: “I understood. He was great, it was in the winter break [he was sold]. We were very good together. It will be fun [to see him again].”
Bruno Guimaraes at home in Newcastle
While Guimaraes enjoyed his time in Lyon, the Brazilian believes he has found a second home in Newcastle over the past four years.
Since joining the club, he has got married to his partner Ana and the couple have had two Newcastle-born children together, Matteo and Pietro.
“I think things are a bit different now,” Guimaraes said earlier this season. “I’ve never really had it where I can go to a restaurant and not have to pay the bill! I’m enjoying it.
“To be honest, I never really thought all of this would happen when I first signed for the club. I am always very thankful for my job and my team-mates, but things have been very, very good. Better than I thought.
“I’m just really enjoying it, and whenever I pull the shirt on, I try to play like a Geordie, doing everything I can to help the club and the city.
“We have been together for three-and-a-half years now. Everything has been amazing for the club, and hopefully that can continue.”