Miles Starforth with the Shields Gazette has published an interview with Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Here is some of what he said about what has certainly been an abnormal pre-season.
“It’s been an interesting pre-season for us, obviously, not having a manager to start off with.
“But now the gaffer’s in, things have been going well. The boys are enjoying his training sessions, and I think we have done pretty well in the games we’ve played.
“The boys have really enjoyed it – I definitely have.”
We do get the impression that the squad have enjoyed this pre-season since Steve Bruce has come in. They seem to have insulated themselves from any distractions since they came back to start training. Though at first Jamaal gave a hint to being a bit apprehensive as to what he was returning too.
“I thought I was going to have a real tough job on my hands.
“With Ben (Dawson) coming in as head of the Academy, I thought maybe the boys might not listen and some of them could sack it off.
“Maybe that could happen with other teams, but in fairness to the boys, we remained professional, really respected Ben, and we’ve all really respected the gaffer since he come in.”
We were very concerned when the players first returned and looked for any signs of unrest or discontent. However, the players got to work and have all acted completely professionally.
It is a testament to the leadership and integrity of this group that none were negatively affected by the situation with the manager.
Once Bruce did come in, the players seemed to relish a return to normalcy and then worked to learn the intricacies of the new head coach. They seem to be a content group and the new signings have also bedded in quite well.
“We weren’t sure how it was going to be, but he’s a lively manager, the door’s always open, he has banter with us, but when we train, we work hard.
“It’s been really professional. We’ve been doing a lot of running, and we’re all really fit and we’ll be flying on Sunday.”
While this has been on the whole not what the fans of this club had ultimately hoped for. It’s up to this group of players and this staff to get results on the pitch. We should soon see a new right-back in Emil Krafth come in. We’re not too sure that there will be anyone else but hopefully another player will be signed as there is plenty of money available, or at least there should be.
If not, it has been a decent window with Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Jetro Willems as impact additions in key areas. We are a little concerned about the players up front but there were a lot of chances created in pre-season. Miguel Almiron and Yoshinori Muto will also have their experiences from last season to build on. While it’s far from a perfect squad, it should be an exciting one to watch.
53 comments so far
Jib
Aug 7, 2019 at 6:59 PM
Comment #41It’s Philippe Coutinho I tell you!!!!!!!!
Jib
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:00 PM
Comment #42£80M and £140K pw
toon22
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:04 PM
Comment #43If Jabba was gone , maybe even if only in our dreams
But he’s still here making it a total non starter
Nee chance
WLtoon
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:05 PM
Comment #44Marksbro @23
I wish you had of waited 24hrs to make that comment about retaining all of our players apart from Perez.
We all know what has happened on transfer deadline day and Ashley cashing in without a chance to get a replacement over the line in time.
I would,nt be at all surprised if we lose at least one of our first teamers tomorrow.
bill
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:05 PM
Comment #45Jib,
Unfortunately, it usually turns out to be the worst conclusion. Two relegations and a few near misses says it all.
jane
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:08 PM
Comment #46Istanbul Basaksehir are currently playing Olympiacos in a Champions League qualifier and Demba Ba is on the bench for Basaksehir and Pape Cissé is on the bench for Olympiacos.
jane
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:10 PM
Comment #47i expect they will have enjoyed a nice reunion recounting their time together at Newcastle United.
MarkBro
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:10 PM
Comment #48WLtoon
Haha true.
I think Ashley is that hated at the moment he’ll resist until Jan before he sells.
But yeah, i could be wrong like
hibbit
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:11 PM
Comment #49the blocks double act is working ever so hard tonight !!!!!!!!!!!
bill
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Comment #50Hibbit,
Like toon22 says, they just make us more angry and determined to remove the parasite from our club.
Markaccus
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:16 PM
Comment #51Imo, we need another CM. That would mean 2 players for each position (352) and the extra keeper and 2 out fields on top. It should mean shipping Murphy, colback and either atsu or Aaron’s. If Gayle leaves, then we’d need another cf. I’d like to see him upgraded anyway
bill
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:23 PM
Comment #52Markaccus,
I doubt if we would miss any of those, though I might keep Gayle as he can score goals. Agree with you.
Binney
Aug 7, 2019 at 7:24 PM
Comment #53BZG SOS