Fabian Schar has been one of Newcastle’s unsung heroes over the past 18 months, transforming from the fringes of Steve Bruce’s first-team to one of our most consistent performers under Eddie Howe.
He’s always had so much talent – he was incredible on his day during the Rafa Benitez era – but he’s no long erratic or ill-discipline, ironing errors and silly yellow cards out of his game to help Newcastle boast the joint best defensive record in the Premier League for 2022/23.
A week on from our final day draw at Chelsea, superb quotes have emerged from the 31-year-old, who pays tribute to Howe, our new owners and the Newcastle fans who ‘suffered’ under Mike Ashley.
Speaking to BlueWin in Switzerland, Schar kicked off with a brilliant tribute to Eddie Howe, explaining why he’s ‘the best coach’ of his career and such a great manager; on and off the pitch:
“For me it was the best and most beautiful season of my entire career. I have never felt more comfortable in a place than in Newcastle.
“The cooperation in the team and with the coaching staff is unprecedented. I feel a great sense of happiness and a lot of gratitude for being able to experience this phase.
“He’s (Howe) the best coach of my career. It’s difficult to define in just one area. He has so many good facets. His training theory is first class, there is not even a hint of boredom in any meeting.
“What he announces always makes sense. The way he meets me on a personal level suits me extremely well. People are important to him.
“This is an outstanding component for him. He also asks a player on a day off; you can discuss very private matters with him. I’m in a very familiar relationship with him. The many good characters [of the squad] also simplify the inner workings enormously; the fun factor is not neglected.”
Schar then spoke highly about our new owners, praising the careful investment, smart transfers and focus on improving our infrastructure; not just our first-team squad:
“The new owners have invested very carefully and made clever transfers. There was no sign of a spending spree. Instead, some funds have been put into infrastructure. They did a really good job. The change of strategy was necessary.”
The former Basel star even said a few words about the fans, believing the Toon Army are ‘grateful’ for the investment and exciting times ahead after suffering ‘for years’ under Mike Ashley:
“At the moment the fans are just grateful. Everyone knows where the club came from. For years Newcastle suffered.”
At £3m, he has to be one of THE best pound for pound signings made at St James’ Park. He may be 31 and entering the twilight years of his career, yet he’s aging like a fine wine and forming a superb partnership with Sven Botman.
We’ve been tipped us to sign a new right-sided centre-back this summer by sites like in2bet, but whoever arrives will do well to outperform Wor Fab.
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