Steve Bruce explains tactical change at Newcastle United

Steve Bruce says his tactical change against Leeds United has given him “food for thought”.
Steve Bruce.Steve Bruce.
Steve Bruce.

Newcastle United’s head coach switched to a back four after his winless team went behind to a Raphinha strike at St James's Park last night. Allan Saint-Maximin levelled before the break, and the game ended 1-1.

Bruce’s preference has always been for a back four, but he switched to a 5-3-2 system in March as the club teetered above the Premier League’s relegation zone.

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Asked to explain the change against Leeds, Newcastle’s head coach said: “In last year’s awful run, we changed to a back four, and had a response. Then we changed back after Brighton, and changed to a different formation, and went 5-3-2. After Brighton we stayed with 5-3-2 with results.

"It’s given me food for thought again. I’ve always thought it was important that we have the ability to change. We’ve certainly got that in our locker.”