Newcastle United star Dan Burn has ordered a mentality switch ahead of the long haul trip to Ipswich Town.
The 6ft 7in Blyth centre-back is well aware of the threat posed by Ipswich and feels that the newly promoted side are actually in a false position. Head coach Eddie Howe has drummed it into his players not to underestimate the Portman Road outfit and feels the game has similarities to Luton Town away last Christmas, a game that ended in a miserable 1-0 loss.
Howe spoke of a closer look being taken at varying form across the festive period after last year’s defeat to the Hatters and Boxing Day surrender against Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park when Chris Wood helped himself to a hat-trick. Newcastle have also suffered on the road this term at Crystal Palace, Fulham and AFC Bournemouth with results that have kept them away from European contention.
Burn told Chronicle Live: “It has been a long time since Newcastle have been down to Ipswich. It is a long time since I have played there as well. Ipswich could be higher than they are really. They have been unlucky with some of the results they have had.
“It will be a tough game for us. I never worry about us at home or against the big teams. The mentality is always there for us. I know Man City are struggling at the minute, but they are always at the top of their game, no matter who they are playing against. And that’s where we must be.”
Burn is also wary of potential distractions over the festive period caused by progress to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a two-legged affair coming up against Arsenal.
Burn said: “We have a lot of games to look forward to before then. But I fancy us over two legs against anyone. There is a lot of time between the two semi-finals as well.”
Howe will have the players in for training on Christmas Day and wants clear focus from the squad ahead of a crucial run of games. Speaking at his press conference, he said: “It’s an intense schedule for the players. When you’re in this industry, you know that the Christmas period is slightly different but we enjoy it and the games around Christmas do have a unique atmosphere. They have a special feel.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-players-mentality-change-30631311
