The mood in the Newcastle United squad has been “relaxed and jovial” during the international break, according to The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh.
Writing via The Athletic’s website, he claims “sources insist” that Steve Bruce had a short break at the start of last week after a stressful start to life as Newcastle manager and on returning to training after a few days away, the Magpies boss was “relieved” to see how refreshed his squad was.
It is understood that Newcastle realised that a lot of their squad could have done with a bit of a break after a mixed start to their Premier League season and many spent time to relax with their families while Joelinton visited London and Paul Dummett took in the Old Firm derby.
OPINION
It seems as though the Newcastle squad really needed that break. While a few players like Miguel Almiron, Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth were away on international duty with their respective nations, the bulk of the Magpies squad has been able to stay put and get prepared for the next few weeks of Premier League football, which kicks off against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. It is going to be a very tough game for Bruce and his men and not many people will expect them to return to the North-East with anything to show for their trip to Merseyside. That’s understandable. What Bruce will really want is his side to have their focus on matches that follow that when they take on Brighton and then Leicester. While both could be tough games, many fans will be hoping for at least four points. Leicester have started well but they are a team that the Magpies can threaten, as proven in their recent Carabao Cup meeting.
