A number of Newcastle United supporters have been reacting to comments made by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards suggesting Steve Bruce delivers much more expansive training sessions than the style he plays during matches.
The Magpies have had a decent start to the campaign results-wise, with their 2-1 win against West Brom on Saturday seeing them move onto 17 points from their opening 12 Premier League matches. However, performances and a negative style of play have still brought much criticism of Bruce and the direction in which he is taking the Magpies.
Newcastle have had the fewest amount of attempts on goal in the Premier League so far this season, while Bruce’s side have also made the second fewest passes per match (premierleague.com). That demonstrates why some supporters have been questioning the style of play and asking why they are not trying to be more adventurous in games.
Speaking on Sky Sports [via Chronicle Live], Richards suggested that Bruce, with whom he worked at Aston Villa, has the ability to execute a more expansive style of play and revealed he often does then in training. He also suggested that the 59-year-old needs to have more faith in his coaching abilities to deliver that on the field.
Newcastle fans react to Micah Richards’ comments
Many Newcastle fans have been suggesting that it would be bizarre for Bruce to train one way with the players throughout the week and then play a different style during matches. Others took Richards’ comments with a pinch of salt and believed that not too much should be read into it.
Not really sure it makes sense but if that was true it’s terrible. Train one way all week then change it for match day. Pundit comments with a pinch of salt though of course.
— joe gomes (@joegomes10) December 12, 2020
Does this mean he trains players one way and then sends them out to play another. Seems like a meaningless comment from Richards really.
— Stewart (@costanza55) December 12, 2020
No, he needs to be brave and make decisions for the good of his squad instead of his current understanding of football.
We have a squad that can push forward, stop sitting deep.
— Michael Almiron (@Erestyn) December 12, 2020
It’s his chance to play more expansive in the next few games..
But it explains why we’ve been so bad defensively if we’re playing attacking football in training then all out defence in games 😂
— Michael Howe (@michaelhowe9) December 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/cibosher/status/1337771543296937984?s=19
It's a shame he's been expansive in training but hasn't believed in his ability for the last 20 years as a manager for actual games. https://t.co/A1TmLnzT24
— Chutney (@andy_emmers) December 12, 2020
He’s saying this like he’s an up and coming manager not someone who’s been doing the same thing for 20 odd years 😂
— ToonArmy90 (@Army90Toon) December 12, 2020
