Bruno Guimaraes make claims, give reason after heavy defeat at Celtic
Bruno Guimarães offered a measured and grounded message following Newcastle United’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Celtic in their pre-season clash.
The Brazilian midfielder, who only recently returned to training after international duty, reminded fans and teammates alike that the road to peak performance is a gradual process, especially at the start of pre-season preparations.
Guimarães, along with several of Newcastle’s key players, had been granted extended time off due to summer international commitments.
They only rejoined the squad earlier that week, flying out to Austria for an intensive training camp before heading to Glasgow for their first official friendly of the summer.
That match against Celtic came at a time when the Scottish champions were nearly two weeks away from the start of their competitive campaign, and it showed. Celtic looked sharper, fitter, and more in sync across the pitch compared to a Newcastle side still feeling its way into rhythm.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Guimarães stood out as Newcastle’s brightest performer. Captain for the first half, he brought a calm authority to the midfield, displaying his usual class and control on the ball.
While many of his teammates were still shaking off the rust, the Brazilian international looked composed and determined, even as the match gradually slipped out of Newcastle’s grasp.
Celtic certainly deserved the win, but the scoreline arguably flattered them. It felt more like a 2-0 match, with a couple of late goals and lucky bounces widening the margin.
Eddie Howe took a cautious approach to the fixture, limiting most players to 45 minutes of action as he eased his squad back into match fitness.
Only a few exceptions, such as Will Osula and Lewis Miley, featured beyond the first half. The result, while disappointing, was not entirely unexpected considering the disparity in preparation levels between the two sides.
Celtic had weeks of training and friendlies under their belt, while Newcastle’s top players were only just returning to matchday routines.
After the match, Guimarães took to social media to reflect on the performance and provide encouragement. His post emphasized that the squad had only been together for five days and still had significant improvements to make.
Rather than dwell on the loss, he focused on the excitement of being back with the team and the determination to make the upcoming season a success.
His message resonated with fans, offering perspective and leadership when emotions could have easily turned negative.
The full-time score may have read Celtic 4, Newcastle 0, but the true takeaway lies not in the numbers, but in the context. Pre-season is never about results; it’s about building fitness, regaining sharpness, and integrating new ideas.
Howe and his coaching staff are likely more concerned with progress than perfection at this point. The fixture served as a starting point, not a definitive statement of the club’s form or future.
Newcastle’s lineup on the day included both established names and younger talents, giving fans a glimpse of the depth at Howe’s disposal.
From Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier to youngsters like Osula and Hernes, the squad rotation reflected the manager’s intent to assess all available options.
Players like Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, and Jacob Murphy featured alongside newer or less experienced teammates, creating a mixed performance that mirrored the disjointed nature of early pre-season fixtures.
The journey continues with a challenging schedule ahead. Newcastle will face Arsenal, Tottenham, and Atletico Madrid among others in a packed pre-season lineup that promises to test their readiness on multiple fronts.
With time, cohesion, and match fitness, Howe’s side will aim to shake off the early setback and approach the new Premier League campaign with confidence.
Guimarães’ calm, thoughtful response is exactly what the team and supporters needed—a reminder that progress takes patience, and the best is yet to come.