Bruno Guimaraes is looking out over the pristine playing surface at an empty St James’ Park. Less than 48 hours ago, he was there, in the middle of it all, helping Newcastle win a third game in four, his name reverberating around the ground as it so often does.
“The best stadium in England and the best atmosphere in the Premier League,” he tells Sky Sports. “When we play at our home, it’s like playing with 12, always. The support is fantastic. It’s very hard to play against us here, with our fans so close to the pitch.”
Everton, beaten by a single goal on Wednesday night, are just the latest side to struggle. “It’s great for us,” Bruno smiles, “but not so great for our opponents.” Since the turn of the year, Newcastle have lost only once in 15 Premier League home games.
Bruno has of course played a huge role in that run, his ?40m arrival from Lyon in January ushering in a new era under the club’s Saudi owners. Newcastle, 18th when he joined, now sit sixth, two points off the Champions League places. The supporters adore him.
“Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to leave the house because everybody recognises me,” he says with a chuckle, his newly-bleached hair ensuring he stands out even more.
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