Steve Bruce not 'bulletproof' at Newcastle United amid fan protests

Steve Bruce says he’s not “bulletproof” at Newcastle United.
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Bruce took questions from three written journalists ahead of tomorrow’s game against Everton at Goodison Park.

And the relegation-threatened club’s head coach – who only spoke to TV and radio broadcasters before last weekend’s game against Aston Villa over his unhappiness with press criticism – was asked about his position at the club following a run of 11 games without a win.

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Bruce, appointed as Rafa Benitez’s successor in the summer of 2019, insisted that he hadn't sought assurances over his future from the club’s hierarchy.

“I wouldn’t expect to be bulletproof,” said Bruce. “No, I don't need any reassurance. We’re in the Premier League, and we understand. We’re judged on results, and our results aren’t good enough at the minute.”

A number of written journalists did not get to ask Bruce a question during this morning's Zoom call.

Newcastle, 16th in the Premier League, this week appointed Graeme Jones – who had been first-team coach at Bournemouth – as an “assistant” to Bruce, who is the bookmakers’ favourite to be the next manager to lose his job following the departure of Frank Lampard at Chelsea.

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And Bruce was asked about fan protests against him ahead of the Everton game, which follows a 2-1 home defeat to Leeds United.

Steve Bruce.Steve Bruce.
Steve Bruce.

“No one wants to be a on a run like we are – players, coach or fans,” said the 60-year-old. “It has lasted two long for us. Can we get a result? Let's hope so.

“It’s our turn (to have a bad run). It’s how you deal with it, how you cope with it. People are coming back and getting fit again.

“I understand the fans' disappointment. We have been on a disappointing run, and I'll be my utmost to turn it around. You’re judged on results, and they haven’t been good enough."

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Meanwhile, winger Allan Saint-Maximin – who has recovered from Covid-19 – impressed after coming off the bench against Leeds on Tuesday night.

“We’ve been missing our best players – it’s quite simple,” said Bruce. “All of a sudden, we looked a different outfit.”

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