Martin O’Neill is unhappy with Newcastle United’s present plans for the conclusion of the season.
Newcastle United announced Monday that they will go to Australia three days after the Premier League season ends to play Tottenham in a friendly match.
Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Neill expressed surprise that the two clubs had ever considered this, and he couldn’t see why the players would want to go all that way after such a stressful year.
O’Neill is baffled by Newcastle’s latest decision
Newcastle have had one of the busiest seasons in the last decade, having qualified for the Champions League last year, and it’s taken a toll on the players, with numerous injuries.
Newcastle were playing every three days in December, and their record began to suffer as a result, with them being knocked out of both Europe and the Carabao Cup in a matter of days.
Now, with the European Championships to prepare for in the summer, the last thing you want after a busy league season is to fly halfway around the world for a friendly match.
At least that’s the opinion of O’Neill, who can’t see why Newcastle or Tottenham would even consider this concept in the first place.
Regarding the game, O’Neill stated: “It’s foolishness. It’s three days after the Premier League ended. The last thing you want to do is forget your baggage. However, there is a possibility that players will participate in the competition, the European Championships.”
Simon Jordan: “They may be excluded. If they are, the argument becomes slightly less relevant.”
O’Neill: “I’ll take that point. Personally, as a manager, I wouldn’t mind going to Australia! But I’m talking about it three days after the event [the season].”
The Magpies could be set to leave out key stars
Newcastle would end the season away to Brentford on Sunday May 19th, followed by a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday May 22nd.
It’s tough to believe that individuals who appear in the game in London and have played substantially during the season, such as Bruno Guimaraes or Anthony Gordon, will be fully involved in the friendly unless they want to play in a fresh setting.
It’s possible that some youth youngsters will travel to gain first-team experience, or that some of the squad’s fringe players who may be moved on in the summer will have one more chance to wear a black and white shirt.
For Eddie Howe, it’s one final glimpse at his players before a crazy summer window, so he’ll be soaking up all the information he can as he prepares for the new season and pre-season.
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