Bruno Guimaraes says what Newcastle United supporters do not want to hear after Sunderland loss
Newcastle United supporters are not over their Tyne-Wear derby defeat as the team prepare for another high-profile clash.
Bruno Guimaraes has insisted focus turns to reaching a Carabao Cup semi-final with Newcastle United.
The Brazilian’s message is hardly music to Newcastle fans’ ears, with the post-derby blues yet to subside. Eddie Howe’s men were humbled by their bitter rivals 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.
Nick Woltemade’s comical own goal gave Sunderland the bragging rights on another dismal away showing for the Magpies. Fulham await at St James’ Park on Wednesday but, in truth, the dust may not have settled from Sunday’s defeat.
Bruno Guimaraes on Carabao Cup
Guimaraes has challenged his Newcastle players to put the club in the Carabao Cup semi-final to begin amending the bridges that were burned at the weekend. He said: “We have to put the club in the semi-final again. It's a clear message.
“We have to show that today we have to use this as a power to improve our season, improve our level. We cannot stand the way we are now. We have to put the anger on the pitch and definitely 100 per cent qualify the club for another Carabao Cup.
“(There is only) one way to go. That is by beating everyone, improving our form, qualifying the club for the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, qualify for the Champions League and improve our level in the Premier League as well.”
‘I am embarrassed’ - Bruno Guimaraes
When asked by NewcastleWorld if the Toon players understood the fixture, the Brazilian said: “Everyone came here and knew exactly what it meant for the fans. The whole message in the changing room today was to give (win) it for the fans and we didn't.
“I am so embarrassed for me. It is frustrating because we know we have a better team than them. It's clear for me, but we didn't perform like a better team today. So it makes me feel angry because now I have to be very worried about my words because I'm very angry with the performance.
“We missed that consistency. That is clear it is not there, the mentality is not there. We have to go again on Wednesday and put the club in the semi-final.”
Bruno Guimaraes on Newcastle United backlash
Guimaraes is also bracing himself for a wave of fan backlash following the Sunderland defeat. He added: “Of course, I've played in many, many derbies in my career. It's not easy to get a defeat, but today I think we disappointed the fans.
“We disappointed the fans in general because they were expecting much more. We didn't perform like the team that should come here with the right mentality. We understand the fans.”