Guardiola reveals truth behind Newcastle's biggest issue this season - Lessons to learn?

After Saturday's FA Cup exit at Man City, it's been interesting to read Pep Guardiola's comments on our struggles this season.

The Spaniard - widely considered one of the greatest coaches of all time - believes playing in four competitions this season has been the biggest challenge for Eddie Howe and his squad, feeling this may have been a season of learning for a Newcastle squad who have few players used to the schedule we've faced.

Pep believes the relentless nature of playing every 'three or four days' earlier in the season has had a lasting effect, not just causing more injuries and fatigue but impacting performance levels. He used Fabian Schar as an example, feeling the Swiss international was "unbelievable" when playing one game a week last season, but is one of several who have struggled to adapt to a "completely different" campaign some have struggled to handle.

"I have not been there so I can't judge Newcastle." Guardiola said. "I wish Eddie Howe all the best. Eddie was at Bournemouth and at Newcastle, he took them to another step. But it was their first time that they played four competitions meaning they played every three days. It is not easy especially at the beginning.

"When it is the first time it is not easy for anybody or any club. Again, I have not been there so I don't know why, but I am pretty sure they will take a lesson from that.

"I think they had a lot of injuries starting with Pope and then many important players. It happens when you play every three or four days and it is difficult.

"The team have incredible fast pace quality players, Guimaraes, Gordon. They have experienced players like Schar. Last season was unbelievable but last season they played one game a week. This season they play a lot and it is completely different.

"When you have experience and can handle the training, the minutes and everything it's tough. But I am pretty sure they will learn their lesson. They will take a pre-season and try to still be up there."

There have been plenty of mistakes made this season, meaning Howe and the players are not above criticism, but Guardiola's comments are worth listening to. We overachieved last season, lost two of our most expensive summer signings to injury/suspension, have struggled badly with injuries and lacked experience to cope with what's been a season full of lessons for Howe, the owners and several players; several of which are not good enough if we plan to break the 'big six' on a consistent basis.

A huge summer waits, but I think we'll go into the 2024/25 season much stronger for the harsh lessons learnt over the past 12 months.