Sean Longstaff SLAMS former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce, claiming he ‘wasn’t coached’ by him

Sean Longstaff has claimed he feels he was not coached before Eddie Howe joined the club and has praised the Newcastle manager for helping him take his career in a new direction.

The 25-year-old Longstaff progressed through the academy at Newcastle and originally broke through under Rafa Benitez to critical acclaim, but after the Spaniard left his career began to falter.

His contract expired at the end of last season and after struggling for playing time and form under Steve Bruce, it looked like he might be out, with his former boss – then Everton manager – keen to welcome him last January wanted to get in.

However, the arrival of Howe changed everything and Longstaff – who was once linked with Man United – has become an integral part of The Magpies’ fantastic season, making 39 appearances in all competitions.

And Longstaff explained the impact Howe has had on him, while also appearing to lash out at former Magpies boss Bruce.

Longstaff (second right) also lashed out at ex-Magpies boss Steve Bruce (left), claiming he ‘didn’t enjoy football’ under him and revealing the pair barely spoke

“It’s weird, looking back,” Longstaff said The athletic. ‘Before the new manager came to Newcastle I didn’t enjoy football. I didn’t enjoy coming in every day and not really playing.

“In my opinion, I didn’t feel like I was being coached en masse to become the best version of myself.

“It was perfect when I broke through (under Benitez). I came in and did well and everyone loves you.

“When Steve Bruce came in as manager I came back from injury and didn’t really feel I was ready but felt I had to play.

“And if you’re in that mindset and in that position, you’re never going to be able to play well and over time I’ll just…”

Longstaff has previously spoken of reaching a low point in his life when the misery of not being able to make the desired impact dragged him down, with the midfielder bursting into tears as he tried to eat with his family.

Matt Ritchie advised him to see a psychologist and that started to change everything for the 25-year-old.

But another key career-changing moment was the arrival of Howe – who replaced Bruce in October 2020 – with Longstaff lauding the Newcastle boss.

He added: ‘After his first training I thought: “That’s very different”. I loved every second.

“I didn’t play much at first, but I always thought I really liked the way he wanted to play, and once I got in…

“I needed it (showered with love by Howe) badly. In my opinion, it was something that was missing the previous two years.

“It’s like with anything, no matter how much you’re a professional and an adult, if someone shows you a little love and affection and tells you how great you are, it’s nice to hear. I hadn’t heard it in a long time.

The ever-present midfielder claimed he was ‘not coached’ until Howe arrived in October 2021

Before Howe joined Newcastle, 25-year-old Longstaff was expected to leave the club on a free transfer

“I’ve spoken to the new manager more that month than I’ve spoken to the old one in two years, which is probably not a good sign. He told me what his plans were, how he saw me in the team.

‘He said: ‘We’ll get you a new contract’ – the club had just entered the last year of my contract. I thought to myself, “I don’t really believe I believe you,” but it came true.”

Howe and Longstaff have a very good relationship and the homegrown star revealed how this conversation and Howe’s affection was the catalyst for what turned out to be a fantastic season for the Magpies’ ever-present midfielder.

He continued: ‘(After that conversation) my mindset shifted from being ready to go to, ‘You’ve got six months to save your Newcastle career’.

“I remember going home and saying, ‘I want to stay,’ and then I had to show him I really wanted to be a part of it. I will forever be grateful.

“But from the moment I met him and his staff, I knew right away that he would help me get better as a player and as a person. I was ready to run through brick walls for him.”