Steve Bruce appreciates Marcelo Bielsa's full-time encouragement after Leeds United's win at Newcastle United

Steve Bruce appreciated Marcelo Bielsa's full-time compliments about Newcastle United after Leeds United's 2-1 win at St James' Park.
ANOTHER DEFEAT - Newcastle United are now 11 games without victory after a 2-1 loss at home to Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United. Pic: Bruce Rollinson.ANOTHER DEFEAT - Newcastle United are now 11 games without victory after a 2-1 loss at home to Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United. Pic: Bruce Rollinson.
ANOTHER DEFEAT - Newcastle United are now 11 games without victory after a 2-1 loss at home to Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United. Pic: Bruce Rollinson.

The struggling Magpies are now 11 games without victory and Bruce admitted they found the first half difficult against Bielsa's Whites, before coming back into the game after the break.

Newcastle cancelled out Raphinha's first half opener with a Miguel Almiron equaliser on 57 minutes, but were undone four minutes later by Jack Harrison's fine finish.

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Despite going behind again, Newcastle caused Leeds a lot of problems and forced Illan Meslier into a number of saves, without finding the leveller.

"We were rocked in the first half with a goal we unfortunately gifted them," said Bruce.

"It was tough going. We tweaked a few things. The second half, the performance was arguably the best it's been for a few weeks. With the introduction of Allan [Saint-Maxim], I don't want to pin it all on him because everyone played their part in the second half, we were on the front foot but unfortunately we've been caught which is always the difficulty.

"I was pleased with the second half in particular. We were unlucky, I don't think we deserved to lose, we were a threat, had some glorious chances. I feel for them. When you're up against it you need something to fall. The performance was much, much better, it will give us something to fall back on.

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At the full-time whistle Bielsa placed his hands on Bruce's shoulders and the pair had a lengthy chat about what they had just seen.

What the Argentine said was encouraging for Bruce.

"He was very complimentary about our team, said we deserved more," Bruce revealed.

"It was a bit broken English but I thanked him for that. I think even he acknowledged that we played very well second half.

"I've seen enough today. If we keep well and stay healthy in certain areas then we'll be fine. We've had an awful time, there's no disputing that but I've seen enough that we can hopefully build a bit of confidence from it.

"Just disappointed we didn't take advantage of the goal and go on to win the match.