Dan Burn has admitted pre-season training under Eddie Howe is “tough” due to gruelling double sessions. Newcastle United are currently in Austria ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, with clashes against Bundesliga sides 1860 Munich and Mainz scheduled.
The Magpies will then travel to Portugal for a one-off game against Benfica before concluding their pre-season at St James’ Park against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao. Preparations for the upcoming season have seen a 29-man squad undertake double sessions as Howe aims to restore fitness levels within the camp.
The 44-year-old is renowned for his relentless work rate and meticulous training methods. After Howe’s appointment, Jonjo Shelvey revealed he was “in bed by 8pm” every night due to the intensity of his training drills.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak gives Newcastle record-breaking transfer dilemma amid club's Moussa Diaby refusal
Burn told NUFC TV he is enjoying being back to the grind and cannot wait to “hit the ground running” against Nottingham Forest. “The sessions have been tough,” he said. “We've had double sessions but I think that's what we need.
“The way the gaffer wants to play, you need to have a certain level of fitness. So yeah, it has been tough, but enjoyable. By the time the season comes around you want to hit the ground running. It is a shorter pre-season this year, with the season starting earlier. So I think that’s (fitness) really important.”
The 30-year-old also stressed the importance of team bonding while away in Austria. Last year, the first-team spirit was evident by the post-match picture in the dressing room after every win.
Players have already enjoyed go-karting together while they gear up for another rigorous campaign. As someone who has competed in the lower divisions, Burn knows how much a united squad can affect performances on the pitch.
He added: “There were five races in each and then the lowest five times had to do a forfeit. The go-karts weren't the biggest so I was chewing my knees most of the way around but it was good - I enjoyed it!
“The teams (I’ve played in) where we've always performed the best have been the closest, when I've gained promotion a couple of times. Even at Brighton, we had a really tight group. I think that's massively important.
“(We have) a lot of different cultures and people from all over the world. So just to learn a bit about them and the more (is good).”
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
READ NEXT
Newcastle stadium changes supporters will love as new photographs show owners did their homework
Eddie Howe plans further Kevin Keegan talks as Newcastle boss opens up about phone conversation
Eddie Howe 'disappointment' says it all as Newcastle offer exciting glimpse behind closed doors
Ciaran Clark's Newcastle career is about to end but his reaction to being replaced was telling
Moussa Diaby's actions say so much about him even if he has not pushed for Newcastle transfer
