Eddie Howe names Newcastle United’s next challenge amid Champions League and Premier League balancing act

Eddie Howe believes his team are adapting to the demands of Champions League football as they prepare for the visit of Borussia Dortmund. Newcastle have taken four points from their first two European games this season - and have a win and a draw in the league games that directly follow their midweek Champions League excursions.

Balancing a hectic fixture schedule and the intense demands required to compete on all-fronts is a new concept that Howe’s side have had to adapt to this season and whilst he believes his team are doing that well, he has challenged them to continue that throughout the campaign.

Howe told the Gazette: “I think with every experience we have with every game those experiences do all the players a world of good. It is slightly new to us this season, the amount of games, intensity of the games, the non-stop nature of them returning from one competition to another.

“So we’re learning to deal and adapt to that, but I have to say the focus going into every game has been spot on from the players. They have been able to regroup, re-energise themselves and deliver another performance.

“Now, that is the challenge for us to find that and maintain that consistency as we go through the season.”

Newcastle United face a tricky period of games coming up with 6 matches to be played in just 18 days - a set of games that will see them square off against Wolves, Manchester United, Arsenal, Dortmund again and Bournemouth before the next international break.