Bruno Guimaraes has heaped praise while discussing Eddie Howe’s importance to Newcastle United.
Bruno Guimaraes has credited Eddie Howe for “changing” Newcastle United and believes he is “obsessed” with football.
It is no secret that the Toon boss has been the club’s biggest masterstroke since the Saudi-backed takeover. Today marks four years since PIF took a punt on Howe, who had spent a year out of the game following relegation at Bournemouth.
The critics argued that Howe’s attacking philosophy would prove terminal for a Newcastle outfit aiming to stay in the Premier League. One win in his first 10 games - including a shock FA Cup exit to Cambridge United - did little to silence the naysayers.
Howe soon rallied the troops, securing a comfortable top-flight survival before being the driving force behind a Carabao Cup trophy and multiple Champions League qualifications. He is now revered on Tyneside and firmly has the backing of supporters despite the average start to the Premier League campaign.
‘What a guy’ - Bruno Guimaraes on Eddie Howe
Guimaraes has opened up about Howe’s obsession with football and how crucial he is to Newcastle. He said: “What a guy. I think he changed the club, to be honest. He has made us win trophies and put us in the Champions League twice in three years.
“I think everyone in the group likes him, not just as a manager, but also as a guy. He is always trying to take care of us. I am very pleased with him and just hope he has enjoyed his time here.
“He is obsessed with football, that is why I respect him so much. He is always there. He is there before 7am. At 7am, I am still in bed, but he is already at the training ground. What a guy.”
Bruno Guimaraes ‘white lie’ to Eddie Howe
Guimaraes’ trust was cemented when Howe made him captain at the start of last season. However, the midfielder admitted to NewcastleWorld that he declared himself fit to play against West Ham United despite being riddled with the flu.
“When you try to run but your body doesn’t follow you, it’s hard,” Guimaraes said. “I probably should be honest with the gaffer and say I wasn’t fit enough to play. But the only way for me not to play is if I break my leg. I always want to play. I’m a little bit better and hope I will be 100 per cent fit for Sunday.”
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“He wasn’t saying that to me this morning!” Howe said when told about Guimaraes not feeling 100 per cent. “He said he was feeling a million dollars this morning - that’s news to me.
“No, in all seriousness, his character is undoubted. His will to play is so strong. I had a detailed talk with him today and he assured me he’d be fit to produce the performance the team needed, while probably acknowledging that he wasn’t at 100% fitness.
“That’s why we withdrew him when we did, to try and protect him. But I think we lost a little bit when he came off, speaking honestly, that’s how important he is to us. I thought he performed very well.”
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