Steve Bruce believes he was fighting a losing battle from the moment he accepted the role of Newcastle United head coach due to Rafael Benitez's popularity.
Bruce was appointed by the Magpies in July 2019 on the back of Benitez's departure and has divided opinion on Tyneside since his arrival.
Newcastle have finished in 13th and 12th place in their two league seasons under Bruce, but supporters have been left frustrated by the club's style of play and lack of transfer activity.
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Following the club's lucrative £300million takeover, the Magpies' director Amanda Staveley has admitted the goal is now to compete for the Premier League title in the coming years.
As Newcastle aim for a return to its glory days, reports have suggested that Bruce could be relieved of his duties as a new direction is taken by the club.
Reflecting on his position, the Newcastle boss has admitted that following in the footsteps of the current Everton boss has provided him the ultimate challenge during his time at the helm.
"I think whoever took over from Rafa, it was going to be tough," Bruce told The Telegraph.
"I don’t think people wanted me from the start, in the local media and the fans. It has been incredibly draining emotionally at times, very hard. Not just for me but for my whole family, who are all Geordies and who are all Newcastle fans.
"Some of the things written and said about me, the abuse on social media, I’m just glad my parents were not still alive to see and hear it because it would have broken their hearts. This was their home and their people. This was their city, it is where I’m from and where I always wanted to return."
