Yoshinori Muto has made his thoughts on Steve Bruce’s tactics clear after Saturday’s heavy defeat to Norwich.
The striker came off the bench and struggled to make an impact on the game, touching the ball just five times during his brief cameo.
Speaking after the game, as reported by Chronicle Live, he questioned Bruce’s tactics.
It was really hard. I felt isolated and I was always surrounded by three or four opponents. As a forward that was very tough. As a team we struggled overall.
Judging by these reactions on social media, some believe the writing is already on the wall for Bruce.
Twitter: @ChronicleNUFC There is something fundamentally wrong when players take to the press with this sorta stuff. (@chourky)
Twitter: @ChronicleNUFC It begins……. (@BootGeordie)
Twitter: @ChronicleNUFC Never saw this under Rafa. Another terminal sign sl very early. (@nufc42)
Twitter: @ChronicleNUFC @lee_ryder Never thought it would fall apart this quickly.. does Muto know that he isn’t following t… https://t.co/vOG3nwBqtj (@CallumVass)
Twitter: @ChronicleNUFC Good on him coming out and saying how it is unlike others. (@GraemeS36013244)
Twitter: @ChronicleNUFC @lee_ryder Bruce will be gone by Christmas (@AndrewCainePT)
Read Newcastle verdict
Muto’s comments are a clear sign of the frustration that is mounting within the Newcastle squad and it will be interesting to see how Bruce responds when he is inevitably quizzed on them.
While some may not agree with the idea of going public against the manager so early, the forwards will continue to suffer in Bruce’s current tactical set-up.
Neither Muto or Joelinton have been given any real support in the first two league games of the season and with that behind them, they are going to continue to struggle to find the back of the net.
Against Norwich, the Brazilian managed just two shots and only three against Arsenal previously – with such little supply or support, it is no surprse to see him struggling.
It would be easy to point the finger at a big-money signing like Joelinton, but when the team is not set up to play to his strengths, he will be feeding off scraps in the final third.
