Steve McClaren "Relieved" To Start Newcastle Training - But He's Looking Forward To Monday More

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren has admitted he was "relieved" to finally get his squad together for pre-season training - although he is more excited for when he can see the Magpies' internationals at close hand on Monday. The Magpies squad met up for their first pre-season training session on Wednesday and McClaren revealed he was glad to get the hard work started ahead of their opening friendly with Gateshead at the International Stadium a week on Friday. Following the Heed match-up, Newcastle then fly out to the USA for a three-match tour, before away trips to Sheffield United and York City, and then a final pre-season game with Borussia Monchengladbach at St James' Park.

Yet, despite the majority of the squad having returned to their Benton training base, Moussa Sissoko and Tim Krul will not be present at pre-season training until Monday following their extended break after appearing for their international sides. And, speaking to the club's official website, McClaren revealed that was the session he was most looking forward to. He said:

"The training ground is where the work is done. We always say preparation is key - Monday to Friday if you work hard and get the preparation right (then) on Saturday you€™re ready to play. "This is part of the job, as a player and coach, to be on the grass and working hard. "It's a shorter pre-season. We've got 10 days' hard work before we go to America and we want to get some structure, some ball work, into the players and try to incorporate the two - fitness work and ball work. "On Monday the internationals are back. I can't wait for them - we'll have everyone, and everyone will be back."

Interestingly, none of McClaren's backroom staff have yet been officially revealed by the club - despite Ian Cathro, Steve Black and Paul Simpson having been put in place as the head coach's lieutenants. Although he is the only confirmed appointment, McClaren did add that he had already attempted to get his own message across to the players on the training pitch so they can enjoy a good tour to the USA - and avoid a repeat of last season's disastrous campaign. He continued:

€œIt€™s great to get them (the players) back and it€™s great to get some work done. €œI've been at Newcastle two-and-a-half weeks and more or less been on my own. I've been talking to a lot of people and doing a lot of work behind the scenes. "It feels real when players actually come back. To see them all coming back bright and breezy is really good. "We talked to the players - we told them this is where we are now, this is where we want to go. "But talking's all well and good - it's what you do on the field and that€™s why it€™s enjoyable to get out there and start the work."

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