Bruno Guimaraes has called for team solidarity following Newcastle United’s recent FA Cup defeat, which came just two weeks before their crucial Carabao Cup final.
In their FA Cup fifth-round match at St James’ Park, Newcastle lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Magpies initially led through Alexander Isak’s penalty, but Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh equalized. The match saw both Anthony Gordon and Tariq Lamptey receive red cards near the end of normal time. Newcastle thought they had secured a late victory when Fabian Schar’s goal from a Guimaraes free-kick was ruled out for offside. Brighton ultimately won in extra time, with Danny Welbeck scoring the decisive goal.
This defeat was Newcastle’s third in their last four matches and their third loss at home in 2025. They had only lost three home games in 2024. Now, the team’s focus shifts to two major upcoming fixtures: first, against West Ham United in the Premier League on March 10, followed by the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on March 16.
Newcastle will be missing Gordon for these matches due to suspension. However, Guimaraes took to social media to shift some of the blame away from Gordon. He posted: “Disappointed not to progress in the FA Cup, as it was clearly one of our goals. Moments like this are when we need to stick together the most. I know that when eliminations like this happen, it’s hard to accept, and we always look for someone to blame. If you need to find one, you can blame me. We have two weeks before one of the most important games for the club in recent years, and we must be ready for this great opportunity. My only request is that, in this moment, we stay united as one and go after the best for the club because we still have great things ahead.”
Although Guimaraes did not specifically mention Gordon, his remark about looking for someone to blame seems to refer to the online criticism directed at Gordon after his red card.
Guimaraes has also faced scrutiny for his recent performances. Head coach Eddie Howe was asked whether Guimaraes needed a break before the Carabao Cup final. Howe replied, “It’s difficult because I’m sure if you asked Bruno, he would say he doesn’t need a rest. It is up to us to look at his schedule and try and find ways to do that. We have tried, but he’s such an important player we have turned to him more often than we would ideally want because of his strengths and qualities. So, for example, in the FA Cup, we gave him 45 minutes in the last round and shared that burden with Sandro. His schedule is intense. As soon as we have played the Carabao Cup final, he will be off to play for his national team, and that will be when others are getting that rest and recuperation. He won’t get that, but that’s part of being a top player, the benefits of being a top player that he is. But it comes at a cost at times, and we have to make sure we protect him.”
