Following Newcastle United’s defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Magpies star Bruno Guimarães had a word with the Brazilian media about the match.
Interviewed by ESPN Brasil journalist João Castelo-Branco, the midfielder claimed Eddie Howe’s side couldn’t show their best version, as they didn’t play the same way they usually to do at home.
“It lacked a lot, especially with and without the ball. I think we gave them a lot of space to play. With the ball, we weren’t what we used to be, especially playing at St. James’ Park. I think it lacked a little more hunger,” Bruno Guimarães told ESPN Brasil.
“We even crossed some balls in the box that with a little more will, we could score. But against Manchester City if you leave space for them to play, that’s all they want. I think we gave them a lot of space and that made us tired. When we had the ball, we were a little tired.
“But I think that in the second half we improved, we had some opportunities. I think there was a two against one that we wasted. Three against three, a kick that I rushed to kick. So we have a lot to improve, but I think the second half has some things that we can take as positive.”
Guimarães was then asked if he feels like Manchester City are still a level above Newcastle, or if the Magpies would be able to compete against Pep Guardiola’s side and beat them at St. James’ Park.
“I think it’s possible, especially playing at home, with the support of our fans. I think today we weren’t what we usually are, especially playing at home. Playing against Aston Villa we controlled the whole game physically, we were much better than today, I think.”
Regarding Newcastle’s ambitions for the season, Guimarães made it clear that he believes the club can win at least one trophy.
“Look, I’m confident. I think our goal this year is to win a trophy for the club. We have four competitions to play. I believe we have the team for that. Last year we lost the Carabao Cup to Manchester United. So this year, I believe that our objective, without a doubt, is to do well in the Champions League, qualify again in the Premier League, try to win a title in the cup or even in the Premier League.”
Newcastle had beaten Aston Villa 5-1 in the Premier League’s opening round and now lost to Manchester City 1-0. The Magpies’ tough sequence continues, as they’re now about to face Liverpool at home and Brighton & Hove Albion away.
Bruno Guimarães was called up by the national team, and in the matches against Bolivia and Peru in September, he’ll have the chance to work under Fernando Diniz, who was his first professional manager at Audax and is now in charge of Brazil.
