Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has told fans to blame him if they have to criticize someone, with the Magpies having crashed out of the FA Cup this weekend.
Ahead of facing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, one of Newcastle’s key men, Anthony Gordon, has picked up a costly suspension and will sit out the showpiece game unless an appeal — which could be lodged — is successful. That seems unlikely after Gordon was sent off for pushing Jan Paul van Hecke in the face.
“Disappointed not to progress in the FA Cup, as it was clearly one of our goals,” Guimaraes posted on social media. “Moments like this are when we need to stick together the most.
“I know that when eliminations like this happen, it’s hard to accept, and we always look for someone to blame. If you need to find one, you can blame me.
“We have two weeks before one of the most important games for the club in recent years, and we must be ready for this great opportunity. My only request is that, in this moment, we stay united as one and go after the best for the club because we still have great things ahead.”
Liverpool won 2-0 against Newcastle at Anfield last week but Virgil van Dijk warned that the challenge would be different with Alexander Isak back fit again. Now, though, Gordon is set to miss out and key center-back Sven Botman is still working his way back to full sharpness.
(Image: Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe was also asked if he needed to manage Guimaraes’ minutes more with the Carabao Cup final in mind. “It’s difficult because I’m sure if you asked Bruno, he would say he doesn’t need a rest,” he said. “It is up to us to look at his schedule and try and find ways to do that.
“We have tried, but he’s such an important player we have turned to him more often than we would ideally want to because of his strengths and qualities. So, for example, in the FA Cup, we gave him 45 minutes in the last round and share that burden with Sandro. His schedule is intense.
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“As soon as we have played the Carabao Cup final, he will be off to play for his national team and that will be when others are getting that rest and recuperation. He won’t get that but that’s part of being a top player, the benefits of being a top player that he is. But it comes at a cost at times and we have to make sure we protect him.”
Liverpool.com says: Without Gordon, Liverpool will be even more of a favorite heading to Wembley. With Isak and Guimaraes, though, there are still threats that the North East side can pose. Arne Slot’s men will need to perform to their best level to win the trophy because Newcastle will be 100 per cent up for the occasion.
