Steve Bruce tackled on Newcastle United fan anger after inexcusable Carabao Cup performance

Josh Dasilva scored the only goal of last night's quarter-final at the Brentford Community Stadium.

And Newcastle fans reacted angrily on social media to the defeat, which followed a disappointing 1-1 home draw against Fulham and an “embarrassing” 5-2 loss to Leeds United.

Bruce – who had named a strong starting XI against a weakened Championship team – was asked about calls from supporters for him to be sacked.

United's head coach also took questions from Sky Sports’ Keith Downie on the performance – and fan anger.

What is your reaction to the defeat?

“I’m hugely disappointed. We’ve missed a wonderful opportunity of taking the club into a semi-final. I have to say we simply haven’t played well enough to win the tie. We should have had enough to win the cup tie. That’s why I went as strong as I did. We haven’t played well enough.”

What went wrong?

“We were too slow in our possession. We didn’t do enough. We didn’t run forward enough or cause them enough problems, especially with the attacking players we had on the pitch, the line-up we had. We have to accept what’s coming our way. That’s what managing Newcastle’s all about. Unfortunately we’ve given up a wonderful opportunity.”

Do you accept criticism from fans?

“There’s nobody more disappointed than me the way we performed. I’m as frustrated, disappointed and bitterly upset as the huge following we have. I have to accept what’s coming our way and be ready for the challenge of it and dust ourselves down for a bust Christmas period.”

What is your message to supporters?

“The progress was there for everybody to see if we got to a semi-final. They want to see results. They want to see their team play better than they did. I understand their disappointment, because there’s nobody more disappointed than me. I’m a resilient so-and-so. I have to accept what’s coming my way. I accept that, social media. The one thing you can do is go to work, dust yourself down and get ready to go.”

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