After the departures of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes as well as former boss Eddie Howe in the summer transfer window, Ruud Gullit believes Newcastle United have a difficult road ahead to keep their goals in sight this season.
Gullit added that he’s more hopeful than insightful when it comes to recently-appointed boss Matthias Jaissle, who he doesn’t know too much about.
The Dutch legend urged Newcastle fans to maintain their optimism and support for the team, in the midst of a potentially difficult transitional period for the club.
The challenges facing Jaissle
“I feel for Newcastle and their supporters,” Gullit said in an exclusive interview with NY Sports Day.
“Eddie Howe did an incredible job restoring pride, delivering a trophy, and qualifying for the Champions League – exactly what that fanbase deserved.
“But the grand narrative of the owners signing the world’s elite players hasn’t materialised, key players have departed, and there’s widespread uncertainty surrounding the club’s direction.
“Because of the summer that Newcastle have had, the biggest challenge will be getting that belief back into the fans; the city.
Newcastle are going to be in for a really difficult season,” Gullit added.
“They’ve recruited a lot of young players without Premier League experience while losing their best players – it’s going to be tough for them and the manager.
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Difficult season
“We have to wait and see,” Gullit continued, addressing Newcastle’s potentially difficult season.
“I hope I’m wrong, but it looks like a testing season ahead for Newcastle. Their supporters deserve to see the club competing consistently in the top five.
“I don’t know a great deal about Jaissle. I just hope he does well for the club’s sake. We’ll have to wait and see how he adapts.
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Mass exodus
“We all know that this is likely going to be a difficult season for Newcastle and their new manager,” Rullit said, referring to the club’s player and manager exodus over the course of pre-season.
“As for the idea that they might struggle like Spurs did last year, I genuinely hope not.
“I love the passion of Newcastle fans and how much that club means to the community.
“Eddie Howe gave them their pride back, so seeing this level of instability is difficult for me.”
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