Benitez puts stars through their paces in Spanish boot camp
DOUBLE SESSIONS AND ‘BOOT CAMP’ FEEL TO MAGPIES’ TRAINING CAMP
NEWCASTLE United are looking to avoid negative headlines during their training camp in Spain this week.
With Rafa Benitez at the helm, they have every chance of succeeding on that score.
With tales of West Brom’s appalling trip to Barcelona still fresh for football fans and pictures of West Ham players swanning around Miami Beach emerging this week, the tone is in stark contrast at the Magpies’ training camp in Algorfa.
Different managers have different ways of working with their players but the schedule of work in store for United in Spain, coupled with a booze ban, should ensure minds stay focused.
Just before Benitez was appointed the Magpies embarked on a similar trip to Spain in 2016.
This training camp feels different already.
The mood seemed too intense two years ago in La Manga - this time there is an air of positivity around the squad.
As icy rain lashed down around St James’ Park on yesterday morning, the United players had the pleasure of waking up to slightly warmer conditions in Spain.
Yet every player knows the purpose of the trip and is crystal clear work is the only thing on the agenda.
At this stage of the season, some top-flight bosses believe they cannot demand much more from their players as the rigours of a long, hard winter start to show.
Yet this trip feels like a pre-season boot camp with double sessions and a gruelling 135-minute friendly game against Belgian side Royal Antwerp to come tomorrow at the Pinatar Arena.
Despite the workload, Newcastle’s young group of players seem to have renewed energy.
United arrived at Murcia Airport
with their Premier League rivals under the cosh.
West Brom already look doomed, Stoke City and Crystal Palace have it all to do.
This weekend could be a pivotal one in the course of the Premier League season.
While Newcastle players are being put through their paces in Spain, there are key battles taking place back home.
Stoke face a tough test against Everton while Huddersfield and Palace face each other guarantees at least one side will drop points in the relegation battle.
The Baggies could also be pushed closer to the Championship without Newcastle even kicking a ball this weekend as Alan Pardew’s side face a must-win challenge against Bournemouth.
If things go well for United in the Premier League they could have that five-point gap still in place and a game in hand, albeit it is a tough one at Spurs.
As far as Benitez is concerned, Newcastle have made sure things are in their own hands after beating Southampton last weekend and clambering closer to safety.
Mo Diame – who has been a key man in recent games – spoke of the “small details” the Spaniard likes to work on behind the scenes and it is those little things which seem to be making the difference.
This trip may look like a sunshine break for those outside the club but it is all about preparing for the next league game against Huddersfield.
If Newcastle can take three points from David Wagner’s side, they will be in touching distance of Premier League safety with seven games to play.
It is an aim United are working hard to achieve out in southern Spain this weekend.