---
title: "Newcastle fans slam Bruce following Lazaro’s comments"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2020/02/18/newcastle-fans-slam-bruce-following-lazaros-comments/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-02-18T21:45:00Z"
modified: "2020-02-18T21:45:00Z"
---

# Newcastle fans slam Bruce following Lazaro’s comments

Several Newcastle fans have criticised Steve Bruce following Valentino Lazaro’s comments about playing as a wing-back.

The Austrian winger endured somewhat of a baptism of fire on his full debut for the Magpies, starting at right wing-back as Newcastle were torn apart by Arsenal in a 4-0 victory at the Emirates.

Lazaro was culpable on several occasions, with Bukayo Saka embarrassing him for Nicolas Pepe’s goal.

Talking after the game, as [reported by the Shields Gazette](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/valentino-lazaro-reflects-his-full-debut-after-newcastle-united-mess-1763641), Lazaro explained that while he has played wing-back for both Hertha Berlin and Inter Milan, that he is still learning the defensive elements of the position.

> It’s a position I’ve played over the last maybe two years. I’m adjusting to that. You can see that I’m a winger, and my strengths are in attack. I’m trying to learn more and more defensively.
>
> I’m trying to learn more there. With team-mates like this who help me out, it’s a lot easier.

Following Lazaro’s comments, a number of Newcastle fans took the time to hit out at Bruce’s decision to sign a winger to play wing-back.

> Twitter: @milesstarforth We should play him as a winger then. (@WoodyLad8)

> Twitter: @milesstarforth @NUFC360 So we are playing a winger as a defender even when we have our subs bench full of defender… https://t.co/LiqGlZWNjN (@MaxwellA98)

> Twitter: @milesstarforth Square pegs in round holes it’s the Bruce way (@BLOOD202)

> Twitter: @milesstarforth @NUFC360 Probably have him CDM in a few weeks. (@cushdela)

> Twitter: @milesstarforth @NUFC360 He will probably be shoved at CB next… Brucie knows best remember. (@ToonBarmy59)

> Twitter: @milesstarforth Surely play him in his strongest position (@SteveMcKenna\_)

> Twitter: @milesstarforth Kid was allowed to get destroyed in the second half and the blame should lie with Bruce and his coa… https://t.co/mwhx0S77z7 (@geordiedug2)