Sven Botman has been taken aback by the intensity and tempo of training since completing a £32m move to St James’ Park, admitting it’s a “big difference” to what he was used to at Lille.
Speaking exclusively to The Mail’s Craig Hope, the big man reveals that Howe offers “no rest” between drills and wants players to be giving “200 percent” – both in games AND on the training field.
The highly-rated Dutchman has also been discussing our ambitions for the coming season, claiming the goal for 2022/23 is to qualify for Europe.
Botman insists that our new owners want to “reach the top” – not settle for survival like we did under Mike Ashley – however he’s warned fans to give the team “time”, feeling any top four finish isn’t realistic for now.
Here’s what he’s had to say, starting with his thoughts on the club’s big ambitions heading into the new season.
Botman on Newcastle’s hopes for 2022/23 and beyond:
‘It is no longer a club just trying to stay in the Premier League.”
‘It’s a club with a big plan. They want to reach the top. That’s why I’m here.
“Europe is definitely a goal this season. I believe we can achieve that.
“I just hope people don’t already have it in mind that we’ll finish top four.
“You need time, it is step by step.”
Botman on the intensity of training under Eddie Howe:
“I certainly need to adapt!
“There is a big difference [in intensity] here. I was a bit surprised!
“I knew the tempo in the Premier League was high, but training as well? There is no rest between drills!
“It is, ‘Go, go, go.’ Everything is 200 per cent. But that’s a good thing.
“The manager is clear what he demands from us.
“If we want to reach that level, we have to demand a lot from ourselves.”
You can read his chat with The Mail’s Craig Hope in full below:
