‘I’m not ready’ - Bruno Guimaraes gets emotional talking about one thing at Newcastle United
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has spoken honestly about his doubts after taking the armband.
Bruno Guimaraes has admitted he almost asked Eddie Howe to take the captaincy off him at Newcastle United.
Many questioned the decision to name the Brazilian as skipper 18 months ago. Guimaraes has always been adored on Tyneside for his on-field passion.
The midfielder openly acknowledges how he “plays like a fan” and that endeared him to the St James’ Park faithful from day one. But the naysayers raised concern about whether that temperament fit captain material.
Bruno Guimaraes story as captain
However, there is nobody questioning Guimaraes’ leadership skills now given his impressive debut season with the armband. The playmaker inspired Newcastle to Champions League qualification and their first domestic trophy for 70 years.
A teary-eyed Guimaraes sobbed in jubilation at the full-time whistle following the famous Wembley win. It was at this moment that he became a fully-fledged adopted Geordie and a legend to supporters.
‘Very hard’ - Bruno Guimaraes
In a candid interview to the club’s media team, Guimaraes opened up about his tough start at captain - when the Magpies were struggling in the league - and the doubt that came with it. He said: “The beginning was very hard. Because you never know you’re ready until you know you’re ready.
“In the beginning, I think the first two or three games, I lost a couple of hours imagining what I could do to affect the boys, to make them feel motivated for the game. At some point, I thought, I have to go to the gaffer and say ‘I’m not (ready) for this role’.
“But, at the same time, I was like, if he gave me this opportunity I cannot say ‘No, I’m not ready’. I had to find a way. I turned things around, but the beginning was a little bit difficult for me to accept that I was made for this role.”
Eddie Howe on ‘special’ Bruno Guimaraes
Speaking about his skipper last month, Howe told reporters: “Bruno, I’ve spoken about him many times, but the player and the person together is a very special thing. His will to win, his drive, his determination to be successful is there for us every day. His professionalism to prepare himself to play is of the highest level.”