Martin Dubravka believes a five-man defence suits Newcastle players better, insisting that Steve Bruce’s attempt to play four at the back ‘didn’t work’ at Leicester.
This comes from the Slovakian’s honest chat with Sky Sports today, which sees him reveal how none of the players spoke on the flight home to Tyneside following a performance and result that he’s described as an ’embarrassing mess’.
That said, he does hint that the players are not yet comfortable with his tactics, stating ‘it takes time to know what he wants to do’ – a line which hardly fills you with confidence!
Here’s what he’s had to say during his ‘exclusive’ interview with Sky Sports:
“We went to four defenders but I have to say it didn’t work,”
“We’re used to playing with five at the back which probably fits us (better). But I understand that the manager is trying his own style. We’re trying what the gaffer is expecting of us, unfortunately it didn’t work this time.
“What is the difference from last season? It’s hard to say, but we need to stabilise our performances. We can’t play like we did against Spurs one week then at Leicester the next.
“We have a new manager and we need time. It takes time to know what he wants to do. But I still think we have quality players in our squad.”
It must be said that both Willems and Ritchie were ruled out at Leicester, giving Bruce few options at wing-back, however I imagine he’s wishing he kept the system the same and played either Dummett or Atsu at LWB in hindsight.
Dubravka’s comments don’t fill me with confidence, mind.
Under Rafa, it was so evident that players knew EXACTLY what was expected of them – both in training and in games.
I know it’s early days for Bruce, but the early signs are severely worrying – and the worst part is the lack of hope as to how it gets better.
Obvious Bruce hasn’t got a clue he was never a fit for Newcastle and it is obvious the players have no confidence in his tactics
Geordie rob(Quote)