'I thought players could go off the rails and lose their heads': Jamaal Lascelles was worried Rafa Benitez's departure could leave squad in disarray... but Newcastle captain backs new manager Steve Bruce to steady the ship

  • Jamaal Lascelles says Newcastle started their pre-season in a state of disarray
  • But club captain believes Steve Bruce is the right man to take them forward
  • Lascelles felt players 'could go off the rails' following Rafa Benitez's departure 

Jamaal Lascelles feared Newcastle would 'go off the rails' following Rafa Benitez's shock departure but backed Steve Bruce to steady the ship.

The squad met their new manager at training in Shanghai on Thursday having been in a state of disarray for the first fortnight of pre-season.

Club captain Lascelles believes Bruce is the right man to take Newcastle forward and implored Mike Ashley to loosen the purse strings for signings.

Jamaal Lascelles said he was worried Newcastle's players could 'go off the rails' this summer

Jamaal Lascelles said he was worried Newcastle's players could 'go off the rails' this summer

Bruce has come in to replace the much-loved Rafael Benitez as boss on a three-year deal

Steve Bruce has come in to replace the much-loved Rafa Benitez as boss on a three-year deal

'I did think when we came back that it would be quite difficult coming back and not having a manager,' Lascelles said. 'I thought players could go off the rails and lose their heads, but they have remained professional.


'(Change) is always difficult as players and this is the first time it has happened to us as a group. We haven't really had any direction.

'The players have to cross the white line and you need heart, passion and desire to be able to do that. Hopefully we can bring a few new faces in as well.'

Newcastle's move for £35million Hoffenheim striker Joelinton is now at an advanced stage

Newcastle's move for £35million Hoffenheim striker Joelinton is now at an advanced stage

A £35million move for Hoffenheim striker Joelinton is at an advanced stage with Newcastle in desperate need of firepower after losing loanee Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez.

Bruce will want to further strengthen and while releasing funds will be his first fight, another is to win supporters over. Nine fan groups have voiced serious displeasure at his appointment.

'I've only heard positive things about him from people I've spoken to,' Lascelles added. 'He's old school in that he wants players to work hard, behave properly.

'You know it's always good to take your instructions from someone who has been a top player. 

'I'm looking forward to it, a totally new challenge, tactics and structure. It is going to be different to what we've been used to.

Speaking to the media for the first time since taking charge, Bruce tried to remain upbeat

Lascelles has revealed that he has 'only heard positive things' about Bruce as a manager

'What happened, happened. People got upset, but it's done now. We've got to look forward. We've got a great manager and we've got to remain positive.

'As a group we have been written off and proven people wrong. We've been tipped for relegation the last two seasons and finished 10th and 13th.

'People never have anything positive to say about us as players. We're always being told we're not good enough or we're not doing something right. 

'We try to do the right things.'