Following Newcastle United’s 0-0 draw against AC Milan in the Champions League last night, the Brazilian media had a chance to conduct some interviews at the San Siro.
TNT Sports journalist Arthur Quezada had a word with Nick Pope and Eddie Howe, and heard a lot about the Magpies’ Champions League debut.
As usual done for Brazilian reporters, he wanted to know more about the national team players, and presented some questions about Bruno Guimarães.
First speaking to Howe, Quezada pointed out that the midfielder struggled a little in his personal fight with Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield, and asked the boss about the player’s importance to the Magpies.
“He’s huge. I thought he played very well today. I thought he was interesting tactically. He was man marked as you said, so we had to really work had to create space,” Eddie Howe told TNT Sports.
“I thought defensively he was very, very good for us. Vital that he contributed to the defensive effort, especially in the middle of our midfield. And I think that from the start of the season he’s getting better and better. His experience with the national team is very good. So he’s come back in a very good place.”
Then talking to Pope, Quezada asked about Guimarães’ impact on Newcastle’s game.
“Massive, you know. He’s the brain, he’s the heart, he’s a little bit of everything. He’s a top player. Pleased to have him on our side and he’s someone who dictates the play for us, sets the tempo. He’s a top player. On and off the ball he really makes Newcastle tick.”
Bruno Guimarães stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in last night’s game. He had a 92% pass accuracy in midfield, completing 29 out of 36, and won seven of his 13 duels.
A draw at the San Siro is a good result for Newcastle, and they now must focus on gaining points in their home clash against Paris Saint Germain.
