If you haven’t seen it already, Eddie Howe’s interview with NUFC TV was well worth a watch yesterday, seeing the boss speak out on day one of pre-season training.
He started with a “really positive” update on the condition of his players, revealing that the test results on their fitness were “as good as we’ve seen” since he went into management, suggesting the lads have returned in superb shape and raring to go ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Howe also hailed the “really good attitude” he’s observed following their return to training yesterday, hailing their hard work over the summer after being sent away with tailored fitness programmes.
Asked about Anthony Gordon’s impressive form at the U21 Euros – where he played in a false nine role – he commented on the importance of bringing versatile players to Newcastle, saying: ‘In the season we are going to go into, players who are versatile and can play in a number of positions are so valuable to us.“
It’s becoming a theme that we target players who can operate in several positions, aiding his ability to rotate from game to game but also be flexible from a tactical point of view during a match.
Speaking to NUFC TV about the player’s first day back, Howe said:
“There’s been a really good attitude to the work. The lads have come back very fit, because of the programmes they’ve been on and the various schedules that we’ve individualised, the test results that we got today were as good as we’ve seen, so really positive signs.
“We obviously keep fitness records going right back to my first season in management and they are the best I’ve seen. I’m delighted with the player’s application, but I didn’t expect anything else from the group.”
