In August, as revealed by Mail Sport, he was promoted to team captain. Howe’s logic was that it would end uncertainty over who was skipper – Kieran Trippier had long since deputised for Jamaal Lascelles – and the head coach thought it would bring even more from the midfielder.
Guimaraes can, when his team needs him most, play as if wearing a superhero’s cape. Howe wanted him to stitch that into his black-and-white jersey for good. This season, it feels more like a rucksack full of lead. He was never quick – he didn’t have to be – but in recent weeks he has looked slow. So slow on the opening weekend that referee Craig Pawson went past him as he attempted to make a recovery run.
Eddie Howe thought he had found a long-term solution when making Bruno Guimaraes the captain of Newcastle this summer. What he has found is a short-term problem.
The Brazilian has been brilliant since arriving from Lyon for a bargain £36million in January of 2022. He has charisma, class and a bond with supporters that is genuine. They love him. He loves them.
But immunity from criticism – or, even gentler, question – is not a healthy place for any footballer to be. Guimaraes has, understandably to a degree, been afforded such protection during his time on Tyneside. Newcastle have been lucky to have him.
In August, as revealed by Mail Sport, he was promoted to team captain. Howe’s logic was that it would end uncertainty over who was skipper – Kieran Trippier had long since deputised for Jamaal Lascelles – and the head coach thought it would bring even more from the midfielder.
Guimaraes can, when his team needs him most, play as if wearing a superhero’s cape. Howe wanted him to stitch that into his black-and-white jersey for good. This season, it feels more like a rucksack full of lead. He was never quick – he didn’t have to be – but in recent weeks he has looked slow. So slow on the opening weekend that referee Craig Pawson went past him as he attempted to make a recovery run.
