‘Even Guardiola would struggle at St James’
FORMER UNITED STAR SAYS ANY MANAGER WOULD FIND IT TOUGH IN TOON HOTSEAT
ROB Lee says that Steve Bruce has to take some of the blame for the mess Newcastle United are in – but insists that even Pep Guardiola would struggle to work with the resources on offer at St James’ Park.
The legendary former midfielder feels that critics must stay focused on the bigger picture at Newcastle and that Bruce is not the only problem on Tyneside at the moment.
Lee knows how the good times roll at the club, but is acutely aware that Newcastle are a million miles away from the days of Kevin Keegan.
Lee said: “I suppose you have to put a little bit of blame at Bruce’s door because he’s the manager of Newcastle. Newcastle should not be where they are. I always say: Who else would take that job? It is probably Bruce’s dream job as a Geordie, regardless of what people say. I know he managed Sunderland and played for Man United and stopped us winning the league, but he’s a Geordie, born and bred, and it’s his dream job.
“I think you are facing an uphill battle with the owner. You haven’t really got the backing of him.
“People talk about getting bigger managers but who would go there under the current regime?
“Imagine saying to Pep Guardiola, ‘You’ve got £4million to spend, get us in the Champions
League.’
“Unfortunately, until ownership changes whoever is in charge, whether it’s Steve Bruce or they get somebody else in, it’s always going to be a massive struggle.”
Lee says that the problems will be recurring at Newcastle as long as Ashley is owner.
Lee, speaking to Talksport 2, added: “Like all Newcastle fans I was hoping for new owners. “We have had it three or four times now where for different reasons something has gone wrong.
“You wonder how much Mike Ashley wants to sell it.
“How much is he asking?
“If you look at all the grounds, like Spurs etc, they are better than St James’ Park. The training ground is probably the worst in the Premier League.
“What are you getting for £330million?
“I understand why people are reluctant.”
United have a couple of weeks to take stock and prepare for the clash against Spurs on April 4.
But Lee believes fortunes may only change when the club’s star striker returns.
Lee said: “The main thing to look forward to is Callum Wilson coming back.
“There are some difficult games, but winnable ones.
“I wouldn’t want to drop into the bottom three because mentally that is a big blow.
“Callum Wilson is the one who would keep us up.
“I look at the team and wonder where the goals came from.”