Eddie Howe was grilled on Bruno Guimaraes’ future following Newcastle United’s trip to Gateshead.
Eddie Howe has dismissed suggestions that Bruno Guimaraes will repeat Alexander Isak’s antics at Newcastle United.
Despite the Magpies getting their pre-season preparations underway with a 1-1 draw at Gateshead, the post-match focus centred elsewhere. Guimaraes - currently on an extended break following the World Cup - is angling for a move to Arsenal.
Newcastle publicly stressed earlier this year that they wish to avoid another Isak situation. The former Toon striker downed tools to push through a British record exit to Liverpool last summer.
Eddie Howe snubs Alexander Isak talk
Speaking after the Gateshead clash, Howe was asked whether Guimaraes could “do an Isak” when he returns to training next Friday. He obtusely noted how the Swede turned up for the pre-season camp in Austria.
“No, Alexander did come back and there's nothing to say that Bruno won't be back training with us,” Howe said. “I don't think it's fair to compare situations and what happened previously. I think you've got to look at it in its own right.
“Bruno is the captain of our football club. He's been an unbelievable player and person all through the time that we've worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone would want him to stay.”
‘We don’t want’ - Eddie Howe
Howe also vowed that Newcastle do not want to lose their best players. He added: “We don't want to lose our best players. That's an obvious statement to make. Losing those big two is painful for us and difficult.
“For me, it's been another challenging summer so far. We're always trying to do our best for the football club, short and long term, and try to get the squad in its best shape.”