Robbie Savage used Leeds United as an example whilst sending a warning to Newcastle fans who want their team to play in a more ‘expansive’ way, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
The former midfielder shared that Leeds play in that front-foot manner yet those in Yorkshire have ‘lost their last two games 4-1’ and are ‘below’ those in the North East in the table.
Ever since Steve Bruce walked through the doors of St James’ Park, it was pretty obvious that his ultra-defensive tactics weren’t going to sit well with the Toon Army faithful.
Speaking to a Newcastle fan on 606, Savage tried to understand the frustrations coming from the Magpies supporters and he used a number of Premier League clubs as examples.
“You look at Southampton and you look at their recruitment policy,” said Savage. “You look at Wolves and Leicester and their recruitment policy. Their recruitment policy and brand of football is so entertaining.
“You look at Leeds United and the way they are performing. Leeds United play the expansive style under Marcelo Bielsa yet they have lost their last two games 4-1 and they are below Newcastle in the table.
“I am just stating facts. I understand Newcastle fans don’t want to go trekking all over the country when they are allowed to and just be happy to get 40 points. I understand that. But I just don’t know and I am still unclear [as to what Newcastle fans want].
“So, what you are saying you want a brand of attacking football and aspire to be like a Leicester, Southampton and Wolves in the way they play and maybe challenge for a Europa League place.”
The problem facing Newcastle is that Bruce will never change his defensive-minded tactics because he used to implement them when in the Championship with Aston Villa.
At the time, Villa had assembled one of the most expensive squads in the second-tier, yet fans were disgruntled at their style of play.
In the end, they lost a play-off final, Bruce was sacked months later and during that same season, the more attack-minded Dean Smith guided them back to the Premier League via the same route his predecessor failed in.
So, maybe Newcastle fans have a point when they watch their team play seemingly bland football, week in and week out.
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