Steve Bruce has been dealt his first dose of player discontent at St James’ Park – after one of his own players questioned his tactics.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss only took charge at the Toon in the summer following Rafa Benitez’ unexpected departure.
Benitez was a popular figure with the clubs players and fans, and Bruce has got off to the worst possible start since, after falling to defeat in both of their opening Premier League matches.
Saturday’s 3-1 loss to newly-promoted Norwich raises several question marks over Newcastle’s survival criteria, and Bruce has since been urged to make changes by striker Yoshinari Muto.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
The Japanese frontman replaced Joelinton in the defeat at Carrow Road, but claimed Bruce’s system left him without any support in attack.
Muto said: “It was really hard.
“I felt isolated and was always surrounded by three or four opponents.
“As a forward that was very tough and as a team, we struggled overall.
“When I was watching in the first half, I was expecting it to be difficult when I came on because Joelinton was struggling as well.
“Pukki got a hat-trick and he reacted well on the counter attack. That is the sort of image that I’d like to provide for my team.”
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
Newcastle were blown away by Teemu Pukki’s three expertly-taken goals, with Jonjo Shelvey’s stoppage time goal their only consolation from the trip.
To make matters worse for Bruce, Joelinton was forced off with a hip injury and is now a doubt for the weekend’s tie with Tottenham .
But Muto believes he can be the man to make a difference if the Brazilian doesn’t recover in time.
He added: “I’d like to change things. We want to change the situation after two defeats. We have to train harder.
“I hope that my individual play will be very important this season.”
