Martin Dubvraka feels Steve Bruce change hasn’t worked at Newcastle United

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Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce may well revert back to the 5-3-2 system he has used regularly this season at the weekend.

Martin Dubravka has admitted to Sky Sports that Newcastle United’s change to four at the back didn’t work.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce opted to turn away from his usual system, which incorporated five defenders, to go with a 4-4-1-1 formation against Leicester City.

Newcastle struggled to cope in their new set-up, as they were beaten 5-0 at the King Power Stadium.

And Dubravka has admitted that he didn’t think Bruce’s change went according to plan.

“We went to four defenders but I have to say it didn’t work,” Dubravka said.

“We’re used to playing with five at the back which probably fits us (better). But I understand that the manager is trying his own style. We’re trying what the gaffer is expecting of us, unfortunately it didn’t work this time.”

Dubravka’s comments are interesting as reports had suggested that Newcastle’s players are widely against the switch.

The Daily Mail claim that Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles told Bruce in a recent meeting that the side wanted to go back to a formation which includes five defenders.

Whether Newcastle will make that change for their next match against Manchester United remains to be seen.

Bruce’s side are under pressure to improve, with Newcastle currently sat in 19th place in the Premier League table.