Overview

• Ruud Gullit revealed that Sunderland's second goal during the rain-soaked 1999 derby was the moment he decided to step down as Newcastle United manager.
• Gullit controversially benched star strikers Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson for the derby, which ended in a 2-1 defeat and led to his resignation shortly after.
• He attributed his fallout with Shearer to a breakdown in communication and differing expectations over the striker's role in the team.
• Gullit expressed pride in Newcastle's recent Carabao Cup victory, reflecting on his inability to change the club's environment during his tenure.
• The former manager and Shearer have since reconciled and now share a positive relationship, even working together as TV pundits.