Sandro Tonali hints at a future leadership role at Newcastle United
Speculation around the future of Sandro Tonali has been growing in recent months, with reports linking the midfielder to moves away from Newcastle United.
Premier League rivals such as Arsenal and Chelsea have both been mentioned as potential destinations.
However, Tonali’s latest comments suggest he may instead be thinking about a bigger role on Tyneside, indicating that he sees himself with the Magpies in the long-term.
After former club captain Jamaal Lascelles left the club in the winter transfer window, the leadership structure at Newcastle has switched. While Bruno Guimarães has taken the armband, there are secondary roles that could suit the Italian.
Tonali spoke about the possibility of stepping up, hinting that he would embrace the responsibility despite some challenges.
“Yeah, of course,” Tonali said when asked about the captaincy. “We are a bit different because Jamaal was a great leader. He spoke every week, every game to our team, to every player.”
Suggested Articles
The Italian midfielder acknowledged the strong presence Lascelles had in the dressing room, explaining that the defender’s leadership style was very personal and influential.
“He was great with everybody, and alone in the private meetings and really was a bit different to me,” Tonali continued.
While Tonali admitted that leading the squad would not be easy – particularly because English is not his first language – he insisted he would do everything possible to support his team-mates.
“It would be a little bit tough because it’s not my first language, but I will try,” he told beIN Sports. “I try to do my best. I try to help every player on the pitch. I think this should be for every player, not just for me.”
Tonali also highlighted the importance of Newcastle’s leadership group, praising several senior figures who helped him settle during his early months in England.
He specifically mentioned Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton for their support.
Their guidance, he says, made a huge difference during what he described as a very difficult first season where he endured a lengthy ban for gambling offences – lessons he now hopes to pass on to others if given greater leadership responsibility.
