Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BRUCE GETS BOOKED
Carlo’s cool-headed management manual proves big inspiration for Newcastle boss
St James’ Park: Tomorrow, 2pm STEVE BRUCE revealed he has studied Carlo Ancelotti’s book about leadership in a bid to be a better manager.
The Newcastle chief has pored over a copy of ‘Quiet Leadership’ by the Everton head coach, and reckons the cool-headed way the Italian operates is the way forward.
Bruce says Ancelotti refuses to get involved in the “hysteria” of football, just like he will never get wound up by his “keyboard warrior” critics.
The pair go head to head at St James’ Park with Bruce saying Ancelotti has been the figurehead Everton needed to make their massive transfer splurge work.
Bruce said of ‘Quiet Leadership’ (above):
“The book’s a good read. I am a huge admirer. The title is about managing the quiet way. It is key to the whole thing. He doesn’t let hysteria get in the road of him.
“When I see the clubs he has had – wow! He is arguably the best player-cummanager, not many have achieved what he has. Munich ,
Madrid, Chelsea, now Everton.
“He has a quiet calmness about him, which shows th ere are dif ferent way s to manage.
“When people are successful, and keep driving themselves forward, I admire that. I know how difficult a job it is to manage the clubs he has, and say well done to him. A top-class manager.
“The takeaway is how successful he is, what big clubs he has managed. I remember him as a top, top player too. I don’t need the book signing on Sunday, it fell to bits, was only a paperback, but I’ll make him a cup of tea.
“I am fascinated reading about these people. I have read Eddie Jones’ book too. It’s about their
different ideas on leadership. And when someone has done it so well like he has... I am also getting Wenger’s book for my Christmas present off the grandkids.”
Bruce’s men battled for a solid draw at Wolves last week, but he admits they give opponents “too many shots on goal and chances”, and is trying to find a balance.
Th e pl aying styl e attracts criticism every week, but Bruce said: “I can get myself worked up because of keyboard warriors. I hear about it now and then, but don’t read it – the job is difficult enough without that nonsense.
“Are they the majority of the support? I doubt it. In 15 months, not one person has come up and had a pop.”
Toon owner Mike Ashley this week called for pay-per -view games to be cut in price, and Bruce agrees. He said: “When people pay their subs to Sky and BT, £15 is far too much. In this difficult time, a fiver is enough.”
The club have f inal ly offered fans on long-term season-ticket deals a refund for thi s seas on . Br uce added: “It has been going on a while and it is good to get sorted.”