Newcastle United are dreaming of playing in the Champions League next season, but the intense schedule could prove to be a shock to the system.
So many clubs have struggled to adapt to European football, with the additional midweek fixtures causing real problems. That is something Newcastle are going to have to contest with next season.
European football looks inevitable for the Magpies, with Champions League being the ultimate goal. It remains a genuine possibility, with Eddie Howe’s side still in the top four with eight games to go.
Qualifying for the Champions League will mean at least another six games next season, with the first half of the Premier League campaign interrupted by fixtures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It then continues into the second half of the season if you make it into the next round or drop into the Europa League.
Nick Pope braced for ‘minging’ Champions League schedule
Nick Pope has never played in the Champions League before, but is well aware of the rigours of competing in Europe’s elite competition.
He has been speaking on Fozcast – The Ben Foster Podcast, where he discussed footballer’s days off with host Ben Foster.
“Speaking to the England lads over the years, if you’re in the Champions League – some of those guys are playing 60 games a season,” he said.
“Their days off are minging. They will get a schedule for a month and they might have one or two days off.”
Could be a shock to the system for Newcastle
The change in schedule could prove to be a real shock to the system for a lot of Newcastle’s players. Although a fair few of them do already have European experience. The likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak have all competed in European competitions before.
However, it will be unchartered territory for players like Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson.
It is something Howe is going to have to be wary of, ahead of what will be his first venture into European football. He will require a deeper squad, and may have to adapt his training methods. It could impact our Premier League form too, which is why next season is going to be incredibly interesting.
Pope already knows that the schedule is likely to be ‘minging’, but it is the price you have to pay to compete at the highest level.
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