Bruno Guimarães believes he is finally showing his ‘Newcastle level’ for Brazil, with the midfielder explaining that he now feels much closer to the player Magpies supporters have watched every week.
The 28-year-old has become one of the first names on Carlo Ancelotti’s team-sheet ahead of the World Cup.
According to Guimarães, that change has come after years of growing into a leadership role and receiving the confidence that allows him to play with the same freedom he enjoys at St James’ Park.
As relayed by iG, the midfielder singled out Carlo Ancelotti in his lastest press conference as the coach who helped him reach that point.
Bruno Guimarães explains Brazil turnaround
Guimarães said Ancelotti has given him the freedom and confidence to reproduce the level Newcastle supporters see every week.
“He was the person who gave me the most confidence to play here. In my first call-ups, he asked where I wanted to play and where I felt most comfortable.
“He gave me that freedom and confidence to play the football I play at my club. He took all the weight off me.”
The midfielder also revealed that Ancelotti’s faith extends beyond tactics.
“Today I can be the Bruno that I am at my club here. I feel very good with the manager’s confidence. He made me one of the leaders of the group, which was very important for me.”
From new arrival to World Cup leader
Bruno Guimarães also reflected on how different his situation is compared to the 2022 World Cup.
At that point, he had been a Newcastle player for less than a year. The tournament arrived in December 2022, roughly ten months after his move to Tyneside.
Now he enters the competition as one of Brazil’s most experienced and influential midfielders.
“In four years a lot changes, both personally and professionally. I’m a much more complete player than I was four years ago.
“Everything was still new to me. I didn’t complete the whole cycle last time.”
He believes that continuity has made the difference.
“This time I did. If I’m not mistaken, I was the player with the most appearances during the cycle. It’s another level of confidence.
“I feel more experienced. I don’t waste energy on silly things like I did four years ago, on and off the pitch.”
Ready for the challenge
Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco before facing Scotland and Haiti in Group C. Guimarães insists the squad feel ready.
“We’re getting more and more prepared and focused. We have another week to work and clear up any doubts the manager may have.
“But we feel prepared and ready. We can’t wait for it to start.”
Those comments offer another glimpse into the growth of a player who has developed into both a club leader and a cornerstone of Brazil’s World Cup plans.
His confidence appears to be at an all-time high, and that is good news for both Newcastle and the Brazilian squad.
