Fabian Schar has revealed that his first two training sessions under Eddie Howe have been “amazing.”
The Swiss international returned to Tyneside just a few days ago, fresh from helping his country qualify for next year’s World Cup in Qatar, and it looks like he’s already a big fan of our new coaching team.
He’s noticed that Howe is a hard worker and eager to get the best out of every player, claiming that the whole squad are ‘happy to have something new’ after our previous struggles under Steve Bruce.
The 29-year-old has also vowed to show Howe what he can do from day one, seeming eager to get back into the starting 11 after just two appearances all season.
Speaking to NUFC TV, here’s what Schar had to say when asked about Howe’s arrival:
“The only thing I can do is show him from day one who I am, and what I can do.
“I think he knows who I am and what I can do.
“I am happy for the new chapter.
“I have just had two training sessions but all I can say is it has been amazing.
“You can see what hard working guys they are and how they want to get the best out of each player.
“Every player expects that from a manager.
“We’re happy to have them here now.
“We all happy to have something new.”
With Schar one of the only ball-playing centre backs at the club, he could well be part of Eddie Howe’s plans – especially when the 43-year-old tends to focus on possession based football and playing out from the back.
The defender then discussed his lack of game time under Steve Bruce, admitting he was sometimes surprised to be left out given how he’d been training:
“That’s a difficult question to be fair.
“I always try to be there in training and do my best, and I think I did it in training.
“I know what quality I have.
“I have shown them enough in Newcastle.
“I played for Switzerland and have 70 caps.
“It’s difficult, you try to show the manager you want to be in the team when the team is not doing too good, we have a difficult start.
“Sometimes I was surprised not to be in the first 11.
“That was a difficult time, this is a new chapter, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Good diplomatic comments from Schar. Sometimes you worry about the old “sucking up” to the new boss when comments like this are made but everything you hear about Howe is so positive and you get the impression a massive weight(aka Bruce) has been lifted off the players shoulders. Hope Schar gets the nod and Willock is allowed to play with a bit more forward freedom.
Michael sursham(Quote)