[ad_1]
Steve Bruce admitted that he will have to accept the wave of criticism that will come his way after Newcastle crashed at the Carabao Cup in Brentford.
The Magpies had a golden opportunity to reach the first major cup semi-final in 15 years, and the first in this competition since 1976.
But following a 1-0 loss in West London, Bruce is well aware that a large section of a disgruntled Toon army will again ask to be fired.
Bruce named arguably their strongest lineup, but they were deservedly beaten by Championship Bees, who actually left some of their key players on the bench.
The Newcastle manager said: “I am not really interested in the changes Brentford made, I am very disappointed that we missed a wonderful opportunity to take this club to a semi-final, where it has not been in the last 40 years.
“But we just didn’t play well enough to win the tie. We should have had enough, that’s why I was as strong as we did. Unfortunately, we haven’t played well enough.”
“We were too slow in possession, we didn’t do enough, we didn’t cause them enough problems, especially with the attacking players that we had on the field. So we have to accept what comes our way.
“There is no one more disappointed in the way we act than I am. I am just as frustrated, disappointed and bitterly upset as the huge following we have.”
“I have to accept the criticism, which is fully justified, prepare for the challenge of a difficult Christmas season, dust off and move on.
“Are the players playing for me? I think so. Maybe they aren’t playing well enough, but not without effort and determination.”
Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser forced good saves from Brentford goalkeeper Luke Daniels in the first half.
But it was the Bees who made the breakthrough after 66 minutes, when England U21 midfielder Josh Dasilva hid a cross from Sergi Canos.
Thomas Frank’s team, pushing for promotion again, has reached an important cup semi-final for the first time in its history.
“I am delighted in many ways, first of all, to step over the line and create a new chapter in Brentford history,” said Frank.
“It is a huge step for the club and shows how far we have come. Owner Matthew Benham deserves great credit.
“And also the way we did it. We deserved to win and we could have had more.
“I think they were as strong as they could get. We made changes and still won them.”
[ad_2]