Steve Bruce loves Saint-Maximin but admits Newcastle star is ‘difficult’ to manage

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Steve Bruce has delivered an honest verdict on Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin, describing him as ‘a difficult one to manage’.

The Magpies boss was speaking ahead of the club’s next game against Southampton when the subject of the Frenchman came up.

Saint-Maximin enjoyed a pretty good first season at St. James Park in 2019/20 following his move from Nice.

He contributed four goals and seven assists in 30 appearances, which is not bad going considering he came from a foreign league with a totally different culture.

Bruce said of the star (Chronicle Live): “As I’ve said from day one, he’s different. He can win you a match, but there are times where you want him to do a bit more.

“He’s always going to be a difficult one to manage. He’s not like an Almiron or a Callum Wilson – he will test you to the limit – but he’s worth it.

“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.”

TBR’s View – Bruce has the right approach with ASM

While Bruce says Saint-Maximin can be tricky to manage, he quite clearly has the respect of the player given the 23-year-old’s recent comments.

It’s important to have a strong relationship with the maverick as he undoubtedly has the talent to win games and pick up points for Newcastle.

Big personalities can sometimes be problematic, but so far it seems Bruce is handling Saint-Maximin well and while that’s the case, the team is more likely to benefit as a result of his talent.