10 Things We Learned From Newcastle's Open Training Session

9. Intensity And Ball Retention Remain Key Pillar Stones Of This Regime's Philosophy

Expanding on the point about the specific intended outcome of each drill Newcastle undertake, the key pillar stones of the philosophy of Steve McClaren and Ian Cathro is that the Magpies retain possession through quick passing and they keep the intensity of the game high by pressing further up the pitch. The "Piggy In The Middle" style drill was just one of a few that Newcastle showcased on Tuesday that highlighted the need for the player in possession to pick out the correct and accurate pass quickly and efficiently, while from the defending point of view it pinpoints exactly how high and rapid the press needs to be when the Magpies do not have the ball. In all of Newcastle's pre-season games this clear philosophy change from the Alan Pardew and John Carver eras was shown, and clearly this has been instilled through drills such as those shown at St James' Park. It will take time to refine it, but the building blocks of this new style and philosophy have already been put in place.