One year ago, Newcastle United were undercooked, underprepared and - to put it bluntly - unfit ahead of the Premier League campaign. How do we know this? Because Callum Wilson told us.
“I'd say, (in the) first game of the season, we weren't fit enough in terms of being ready for a Premier League fixture,” he told his Footballer’s Football podcast last December. “We weren't fit enough and we weren't in the right place. The pre-season is massive for the way it sets you up for the season.
“Every manager has different philosophies in terms of how to get players fit. Ours would have been different to yours, but come day one you're hoping that you've put the work in and you're in a good place.”
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Lethargic preparations for the season opener against West Ham United undoubtedly contributed to the Magpies failing to win in their opening 14 games. When Eddie Howe was appointed, an immediate mentality shift took place on the training ground.
Multiple days off and jollies during the international breaks are now forbidden under the former Bournemouth manager's watch. Shortly after Howe’s arrival, Jonjo Shelvey confessed to falling asleep at 8pm due to the new training regime.
Matt Targett also revealed the gaffer’s motto in a BBC interview two months ago. The left-back said “our identity is intensity” gets drilled into the first-team squad by Howe daily - a quote that is reflective of how a successful, modern-day football team operates.
Fast forward to the present and Wilson is relishing the prospect of United attacking the season with adequate preparation under their belt. A gruelling pre-season has seen the Magpies play eight games, with double sessions the norm both at home and abroad.
“We’re in a good place,” the 30-year-old told NUFC TV after Newcastle’s 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao. “We've worked hard, put in work behind the scenes and (are in) a good physical condition.
“You saw that today. In the first 45 minutes, we looked sharp, playing good football. It is a different style of play from last year - we're trying to be expansive and evolve as a team.”
Endeavour - combined with an improved playing squad from this time last year - is a potent mix for Newcastle ahead of an ambitious campaign. Had Newcastle won just three of their first opening 14 games in 2021-22, they would have finished level on points with Manchester United and nabbed a European spot.
Toon supporters may not have a club that wins - yet - but they certainly have one that tries. Without realising, Wilson has perfectly characterised the drastic transformation that has taken place at St James’ Park.
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