Despite Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign starting off with a 0-0 draw against Milan and a dream 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, the two games against Borussia Dortmund are best forgotten, with no goals scored and three conceded.
This leave the Magpies with the task of picking up points against the Italian and French teams again to try and get out of the group, which is no easy feat, and Bruno Guimarães knows this.
Speaking to Milan News on Tuesday evening, the Newcastle player was asked about various topics, including their recent European results and the whole Sandro Tonali affair.
One the former, the Brazilian didn’t mince his words, making it clear that everyone at the club were aware that the displays weren’t anywhere near the required level.
He said: “Against Dortmund, we did not do well, and things did not work in the first leg and the return. The Germans have a good team and we knew that, we played badly and we know it. We have to give more because it was a disappointment that game. Against PSG and AC Milan, we have to win to pass the round. We believe in qualifying.”
Even Premier League results have dipped a bit, with a 2-0 loss against Bournemouth far from what the St James’ Park faithful are used to, and Bruno Guimarães, while giving some excuses, understands that they need to turn matters around after the break, regardless of what happened with Sandro Tonali.
He added: “In the last few games, we have faced important opponents with several absences, like Botman, Isak and Tonali, which have weighed heavily. The Tonali affair? I can’t say that it hasn’t affected us, but I prefer not to express myself on this affair and we are sorry. We have to stay focused and think about the next games.”
Newcastle next face Chelsea in the Premier League at home on November 25th, in a game that could be important for how they enter the away game against Paris Saint-Germain a few days later.
