Bruno Guimarães believes he is finally making his mark.newcastle 'Level' for Brazil, with the midfielder revealing he now feels much closer to the player Magpies supporters have seen every week.
The 28-year-old has become one of the first names on Carlo Ancelotti's team-sheet ahead of the World Cup.
According to Guimaraes, this change came after years of growing into leadership roles and gaining the confidence that allows him to play along. The same freedom he enjoys at St James's Park.
As relayed IGIn his last press conference, the midfielder singled out Carlo Ancelotti as the coach who helped him reach that point.
Bruno Guimarães talks about Brazil's turnaround
Guimaraes said Ancelotti has given him the freedom and confidence to reproduce the level of action Newcastle supporters see every week.
“He was the person who gave me the most confidence to play here. In my first call-up, he asked where I wanted to play and where I felt most comfortable.
"He gave me the freedom and confidence to play football at his club. He took all the burden off me."
The midfielder also revealed that Ancelotti's belief goes beyond tactics.
"Today I can become the Bruno I am here at my club. I feel very good with the manager's confidence. He made me one of the leaders of the group, which was very important for me."
From new arrival to World Cup leader
Bruno Guimarães also reflected on how different their situation is compared to the 2022 World Cup.
At the time, he had been a Newcastle player for less than a year. The tournament arrives in December 2022, almost ten months after his move to Tyneside.
He now enters the competition as one of Brazil's most experienced and influential midfielders.
“A lot changes in four years, both personally and professionally. I'm a much more well-rounded player than I was four years ago.
"Everything was still new to me. I hadn't come full circle the last time."
He believes consistency has made the difference.
"This time I did it. If I'm not mistaken, I was the player with the highest performance during the cycle. It's another level of confidence.
"I feel more experienced. I don't waste energy on silly things on and off the field like I did four years ago."
ready for the challenge
Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco before facing Scotland and Haiti in Group C. Guimaraes insisted that the team is ready.
“We are getting more and more prepared and focused. We have another week to work and clear up any doubts the manager may have.
"But we feel prepared and ready. We can't wait to get started."
Those comments offer another glimpse of the development of a player who has developed as both a club leader and a cornerstone of Brazil's World Cup plans.
His confidence appears to be at an all-time high, and that's good news for both Newcastle and the Brazilian team.
