Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey says he is enjoying life under Steve Bruce and has hit back at the new manager’s critics. Bruce was brought in from Sheffield Wednesday over the summer after Newcastle failed to agree fresh terms with Rafael Benitez.
The arrival of Bruce at St James’ Park raised a few eyebrows and a disappointing start to the Premier League season saw the pressure piled on early.
However, the Magpies secured an impressive 1-0 win on the road at Tottenham, along with a draw against Watford before the international break.
Related: Shelvey – Time On The Sidelines Hard
Shelvey says he has enjoyed playing under Bruce and feels there was always going to be extra scrutiny over a manager coming in to replace a tactician as well respected as Benitez.
He told the Chronicle: “I understand it, but I think it’s because of Rafa Benitez. Rafa was such a great manager with a great CV behind him. He won everything there was to win. “Steve Bruce is here now. For me he has been brilliant.
The way he involves everybody is brilliant, even the lads who aren’t in the squad. He’s probably one of the best man-managers I have worked with.”
Newcastle, who currently sit in 14th place in the table with four points from four games, have a real test ahead of them if they are to go three Premier League games unbeaten as they prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield.
The Magpies pushed the Reds in their last clash at St James’ Park last season but it was Jurgen Klopp’s side that ran out 3-2 winners.
Newcastle have not managed to beat the Merseysiders in the Premier League since December 2015, when an own goal from Martin Skrtel and an effort from Georginio Wijnaldum gave the Magpies a 2-0 victory.
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