Newcastle United’s social media team put out a fantastic video showing the lads’ competitive side in training with Matt Ritchie taking on the mighty Joelinton at football table tennis with Bruno Guimaraes watching on.
The three minute video put out by NUFC TV shows Matt Targett with Matt Ritchie taking on Javi Manquillo and Kieran Trippier in a game of doubles on the table. The Matts run away as 7-1 victors. As the game ends they all go onto another part of the training ground, except for Ritchie who stays by the table to issue a challenge to his next victim.
As Joelinton exits the building, Ritchie wastes no time in issuing his challenge, saying to Joelinton: “Step into my office”. After a bit of resistance from the £40million Brazilian he duly accepts and proceeds to educate Matt Ritchie while his mate, Bruno Guimaraes watches from the side.
Bruno Guimaraes just wanted to play with his friend Joelinton
Bruno was initially baffled how they could play without a partner, I think he just wanted to be involved, bless him. But he was there to offer support to his Brazilian compatriot.
We see Joelinton’s inner beast at one point as he scores a point and shouts at Ritchie to go get the ball with a menacing “RUN!”. Imagine than barreling towards you on the pitch. It’s no wonder he’s so good these days, the opposition must be terrified of him.
Meanwhile the goalkeepers are all playing a game of trios on the Footvolley Court, showing off their silky skills with Loris Karius scoring a point with a beautiful volley.
This kind of content from the club is a breath of fresh air
I love these little glimpses behind the scenes, seeing the lads acting naturally, laughing and joking around but still keeping up their competitive nature.
Incidentally, Joelinton came out victorious in the table tennis game, but if you listen carefully at the end of the clip you’ll hear Ritchie trying to change the rules. Brilliant.
More of this type of stuff, please, NUFC TV.
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