Former Lyon Director of Football Juninho Pernambucano has criticised Rudi Garcia over his handling of Bruno Guimaraes.

Guimaraes made the move to Newcastle United in January from the French side and has provided to be an excellent signing.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Juninho said: “There are Premier League games which are very difficult to watch.

"It's just tackles, intensity, not intelligence. I give the example of Bruno Guimarães. Rudi Garcia killed the kid. He manages in five months to be one of the best players on his team (at Newcastle) thanks to his intelligence.

“I think there is value in Ligue 1 but there are still things to change. All the players who come out of Ligue 1 manage to perform elsewhere, even in the Premier League."