Bruno Guimaraes appeared to send a message to Alexander Isak as he posted a defiant statement on social media following Newcastle United's crushing defeat to Liverpool.
Newcastle conceded a last-minute goal as they suffered a bruising 3-2 defeat in their Premier League clash on Monday.
The hosts had pegged back Liverpool from two goals down, with Guimaraes and William Osula getting on the score-sheet to level proceedings in front of a raucous crowd at St. James' Park.
The Brazilian skipper headed home in the 57th minute before second-half substitute Osula equalised two minutes from time.
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The visitors, however, bagged a late winner when 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha curled home a delightful goal in stoppage time.
Eddie Howe, the Newcastle players and the home fans were crestfallen after Ngumoha struck at the death, with Arne Slot aiming a dig during his post-match interview.
After the game, Guimaraes shared a rousing statement on social media and seemed to reference wantaway forward Isak when he said 'we stick together'.
On X, he wrote: "Mixed feelings. We will never give up under any circumstances. We deserved more, but many times football is not fair. We stick together. There is still a lot ahead, and your support will always be fundamental. Howay the lads."
Eddie Howe wants 'players who are committed' to Newcastle after Liverpool defeat
Newcastle suffered their first league defeat of the new season, having opened their campaign with a goalless draw at Aston Villa.
In both fixtures, Isak has been unavailable as his future remains clouded by certainty.
The Swede is on strike and hasn't trained with the first-team. He also posted a bombshell statement, claiming promises have been 'broken'.
But Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation paid a visit to Isak's home to hold talks, which Howe was unaware of.
Speaking after his side's defeat, the Magpies boss said he wants 'players who are committed to Newcastle'.
"I’ve very mixed feelings tonight," he explained. "It was a great performance from us. I’m gutted for the players. Everyone had told me Anthony’s card was a clear red but I think he was slightly unlucky.
"There was no intent to damage [Virgil] van Dijk but he’s probably gone in too quickly. Will Osula came on, scored a goal and did well, but we are running out of attacking options.
"These players make me proud. They are entwined into Newcastle, they want to be here and want to play. They are connected to the club in a way that is really deep. That was an incredible place to play football. As a football club I thought we showcased our talents.
"This isn’t going to be a simple season for us. There is no intentional dig to Alex, but naturally I want players that are committed to Newcastle."
Topics: Newcastle United, Liverpool, Alexander Isak, Football
Nasir Jabbar