Steve Bruce backs 'hard to manage' Allan Saint-Maximin to adapt to new Newcastle United role after dip in recent form

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce believes Allan Saint-Maximin will adapt to his new more advanced, freer frontline role.
Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at Molineux on October 25, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England.Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at Molineux on October 25, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England.
Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United at Molineux on October 25, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England.

The Frenchman has proven a little less effective in his position just off Magpies’ top-scorer Callum Wilson, struggling for form against both Wolves and Everton.

But Bruce believes the player will get the hang of playing there, especially because the player wants to do so.

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“I think he's done okay with it. He's made us more of a threat. Of course it's a little bit new to him, but he'll adapt to it, I'm convinced of that, and once he gets the hang of it then once he is down the middle, he can go both ways,” said Bruce, whose side take on Southampton at St Mary’s this evening.

“When you see what he did against Burnley when he scores the gal through the middle, I don't think he scores that if he wasn't playing there, and the way he made the second one, he's out on the right, so it gives me the flexibility.

“Of course it's a raging debate at the minute, but he'll be fine.

“I think he played the role very, very well against Burnley - he wants to play it, which is more important, he wants to have the flexibility of being able to go down the middle and go both ways.”

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Bruce admits Saint-Maximin ‘tests him to the limit’ in terms of his management ability – but the boss wouldn’t have it any other way.

"As I’ve said from day one, he’s different. He can win you a match, but there’s times where you want him to do a bit more,” said Bruce of the player.

"All of those things are in there, but he’s young, and he’s still coming to terms with it as far as I’m concerned. He’s still learning, but you only have to look at last year’s game down at Southampton – he won us the game. We had all the pressure and couldn’t score, but then he popped up with the winner.

"He’s always going to be a difficult one to manage. He’s not like a (Miguel) Almiron or a Callum Wilson – he will test you to the limit. But he’s worth it. We’ll keep on talking about him because that’s what he is. He’s a larger than life personality, and he’s enjoyable to watch, whether he’s getting kicked or he’s taking on somebody. Whatever it is, there’s never a dull moment, but of course he tests you and to manage, he’s not easy, let’s put it that way.”