Newcastle United’s post-season journey to Australia has been dubbed “madness” by Alan Shearer.
Eddie Howe’s team took a journey to Melbourne to take part in “Global Football Week” just hours after defeating Brentford on the last day of the Premier League season to finish in the top seven. The Magpies take against the A-League All Stars on Wednesday after playing Tottenham Hotspur at the MCG.
In fact, there has been criticism of the trip to Oceania, not the least of which came from one of their own players, Kieran Trippier, who stated last week that it was not ideal because it was a tournament year. I can see the club’s motivation. I’ve done it at Atletico Madrid and Tottenham. However, based on my personal experience, it’s not the best thing to do during a tournament year (like the Euros and Copa America).
However, as players, it is our responsibility to act in the best interests of the team in order for it to advance. It will be excellent when we get there, and we will welcome and enjoy it. I hope everything goes as planned.
There are other nations and clubs to choose from, not only England. However, it’s one of those things you simply have to do. Of course, it’s not exactly perfect for me as a player. Not that Benidorm is just around the corner—it’s still 25 hours away! I know why the club is doing this, so there are no justifications needed—we just need to go forward.
Shearer, a great of Newcastle, does, in fact, feel sorry for Trippier and his teammates, particularly international players like Bruno Guimaraes and Miguel Almiron, who will play in the Copa America or Euro 2024 next month.
Shearer called it “madness” on Match of the Day. “Wacky. Wacky. Can you picture having to do that as a player competing in the Copa America or the Euros? I would be utterly miserable. Absurd.
The most prominent omissions from Howe‘s 29-man roster for the Australian tour are Fabian Schar, Martin Dubravka, and Sean Longstaff. The three of them were up against Brentford.
Anthony Gordon, meanwhile, hasn’t gone to Australia due to an ankle issue. Gordon missed the 4-2 victory over the Bees.
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