Isaac Hayden reveals how Steve Bruce is better than Rafael Benítez | OneFootball

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has hinted that Steve Bruce is a better man-manager than his predecessor Rafael Benítez.

Bruce was a controversial appointment when he replaced Benítez in the St James’ Park hot-seat this summer, but the Magpies have made a decent start to the season under the former Sunderland boss.

And Hayden says the mood in the camp is better than ever.

“The team spirit is massive here,” the 24-year-old told the Newcastle Chronicle.

“The manager could see it the moment he walked through the door.

“The lads here all want to do well.

“Steve Bruce has got us together even more and made us better at it.

“You can now see that everybody is fighting for the same cause.

“We’re all trying to listen to what the manager wants us to do.

“We’re all trying to go in the same direction.”

Newcastle were beaten 3-1 away at Liverpool last weekend but Hayden believes there were plenty of positives to take from the performance which they hope to build upon in the upcoming clash with Brighton.

“Our season won’t be judged on playing Liverpool away,” he added.

“The games for us that we have to capitalise on are against Brighton.

“But we will take a lot from Anfield still.

“The lads gave a good effort and we now take that into training and look to do our best against Brighton.

“Last year we lost 4-0 and got a proper hammering at Liverpool. Since then I have cracked on. I knew I had the performances and confidence inside me to be able to do it.

“I have proved it to myself that I can do it.”