LOCKDOWN LOVE
Solano: Pressure’s off Bruce’s Toon stars without fans TODAY, KICK-OFF 2.15PM
NEWCASTLE v WEST HAM
Steve Bruce’s side remain unbeaten in the Premier League since the return of top-flight football.
And in midweek they won 4-1 at Bournemouth – a victory which moved them to within touching distance of the top 10.
That performance against the Cherries saw Newcastle play with a freedom that had previously been lacking.
And Newcastle legend Solano (below right) believes the removal of spectators has taken away a huge chunk of the pressure that has proved too much for Toon players in the recent past.
“Everyone wants the fans in the ground, of course they do, but it’s like the pressure has been lifted,” the Peruvian said. “These guys actually look like they’re enjoying their football again.
“When things go wrong at St James’ Park then the players really feel that weight of expectation.
“When things are going well, then great, but when you’re battling relegation or on a bad run of form it’s very different. If you haven’t got a big personality as a player that can have a big impact.
“All Newcastle fans will want to get back in the ground as soon as possible because when it’s full it’s one of the best atmospheres in the world. But I think they are enjoying the way the team is playing.”
The threat of relegation has been banished, with Newcastle now certain to be playing in the Premier League next season.
What remains unclear though is who the owner of the club will be when next season finally gets underway.
Talks of a Saudi takeover have been ongoing, but there is still little sign of a deal being concluded.
Yet whatever happens in the coming months, Solano believes that Bruce (above) has earned the right to remain at the helm.
“Steve Bruce has done a very good job. He has made Newcastle harder to beat,” said Solano.
“He is managing the dressing room, and the players look happy. More importantly, he is getting results.
“I’m not seeing Newcastle playing the Newcastle way – they’re putting a lot of people behind the ball and hoping for that one chance to score at the other end.
“But if new owners come in, Bruce could have his pick of almost any player in the world. Who wouldn’t want to be in charge of that side?
“Bruce deserves to stay because of what he has done this season. You need to build gradually though, that’s the key.
“When Sam Allardyce came in he changed 10 or 12 players in one season, and that’s not the way you go about things.
“You have to build like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have done at City and Liverpool. That’s how you bring long-term success.”