Bruno Guimaraes releases statement after Newcastle United setback

Bruno Guimaraes has highlighted Newcastle United’s lack of pre-season training following the 4-0 defeat to Celtic.

Aiming to downplay the shock result, the Brazilian noted the little time spent on the training field since the summer break. By contrast, the clash at Parkhead was Celtic’s fifth pre-season fixture - and it showed.

A disjointed Newcastle were blown away in Glasgow, with Eddie Howe making wholesale changes in each half. Guimaraes was replaced in the deep-lying midfield role by Sandro Tonali at half-time.

Bruno Guimaraes on fitness

Writing on social media, the 27-year-old acknowledged the lack of fitness in the camp while declaring his “motivation” for the season ahead. He wrote: “Five days of training and still a lot to improve as a team for a great season! Happy to be back. Very motivated to have the best season possible.”

Eddie Howe reaction to Celtic defeat

Speaking post-match, Howe admitted the game may have come too soon for Newcastle. He told reporters: “I think the pre-season is designed to really stretch us. We know we've got a very challenging season ahead with all the competitions.

“This is a test that may have come a little too early for us. We've had a long week in Austria, I'm not making excuses by the way, but the lads came in, and I said before the game, they came into the game jaded, slightly, but it was a great workout for us."

Eddie Howe honest about transfer struggles

Howe also opened up about struggling to attract players to St James’ Park. He said: “We’ve had a frustrating time in terms of losing targets to other clubs. I’d be very open with that. That’s happened on several occasions.

“You just have to accept it. In order for a transfer to really work, in my opinion, the player has to be desperate to come to your club. If we don’t get that, the transfer doesn’t work. We’re seeking players who are good enough, who are desperate to come, and who can make the difference. They’re in short supply for us. We’re confident that we can try and get some more players in to strengthen the depth of the squad. We’re certainly aware that we need to and we’re trying as hard as we can to do that.”

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