Tyne nearly up for boss
after a day off yesterday – their third of the week – and will address dissent in the ranks, which came to a head with Matt Ritchie’s training ground bust-up. Bruce has patched up the incident with Ritchie (below), despite being branded a “coward” by the player, but tension and dissatisfaction remain. Newcastle face fellow relegation strugglers West Brom on Sunday with Bruce needing to add to just two wins in 17 games to avoid the intervention of owner Mike Ashley, who has been reluctant to sack him.
Bruce will face questions from the media today for the first time since his squad meltdown and will insist the vast majority of players still support him. However with a Geordie fan base largely against Bruce, and crowds likely to be back before the end of the season, he is walking a tightrope and his time at St James’ Park could be limited.
MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola admits the pressure of winning the Champions League will never leave him.
Guardiola was lured to the Etihad in 2016 to turn City into the kings of Europe but has failed to lead them past the quarter-final stages.
After the first leg of their last-16 tie, City are 2-0 up against Borussia Monchengladbach, who come to Manchester for the return leg on March 16.
City are the bookies favourites to win the competition this season – but it doesn’t stop Pep feeling the heat.
The Spaniard said: “I will have that pressure for the rest of my time here in England – I know it.
“If we don’t get to go through to the latter stages or win it will be unfinished business. Everyone says that and it is right. We cannot deny it.
“We can play better and have to do it for longer (in the competition). We have not been able to do it in Europe, so hopefully we can take that next step.
“When you lose you have to accept it, if we have not been good enough. That is the Champions League. In Europe the teams are so, so good – they are exceptional.’’
DEAN HENDERSON has been given the chance to become No.1 at Manchester United.
The 23-year-old (right) will get an extended run in United’s starting line-up with rival David De Gea
■ by JEREMY CROSS set to miss up to six of their next games.
De Gea has returned to Spain to be with partner Edurne, who is expecting their first child. United say