Key Highlights
- Dan Burn discusses “uncomfortable conversations” with teammates following a poor performance.
- The team is reflecting on their 2022/23 season when they were known for their physical style of play.
- Burn emphasizes the need to switch up their mentality and improve as a squad.
- He expresses confidence in his future despite facing competition from other defenders like Trippier, Hall, and Livramento.
Newcastle United Struggles: Burn Calls for Team Reflection
Dan Burn, the 33-year-old defender who has been a cornerstone of Newcastle United’s defense, has spoken candidly about the team’s recent struggles. Speaking alongside manager Eddie Howe ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao, Burn highlighted the need for a collective shift in mentality.
Reflecting on Past Performance
Burn reflected on their performance during the recent loss at the London Stadium, where Newcastle succumbed to a disappointing defeat. The defender noted that the team has been reflecting on their recent form and drawing lessons from past performances, particularly those of the 2022/23 season when they were known for their tough and physical style of play.
Switching Mentalities
“It comes down to mentality,” Burn stated. “We were well known a few years ago for s***housery and we have come away from that. We were ugly and bullied teams, but as you progress as a team you bring in better quality players and play better football. But I think there’s always a place for that in the game, look at Arsenal.”
“The first year we were in the Champions League, we were more of an underdog and teams probably didn’t respect us as much as they should,” Burn added. “We were too nice on Sunday. It was very painful to watch back (on video) how far we were off it but it’s the only way to learn.”
Confidence in Future
Burn is optimistic about his future with Newcastle, despite facing stiff competition from other defenders such as Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, and Tino Livramento. “I feel it affects me less now,” he said. “To be perfectly honest, I really don’t care what anybody thinks, genuinely. As long as my team-mates have that respect for me and know that I’m doing things well and the manager does, then everybody else’s opinion doesn’t matter.”
With Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman performing at a high level, Burn is confident he will continue to play significant roles in both the Premier League and Champions League. “I’ve built up a fair amount of credit with my performances since I’ve been here, so I’m confident I’ll continue to play,” he added.
Implications for the Team
The comments from Burn highlight the importance of team cohesion and collective improvement in football. As Newcastle faces Athletic Bilbao in a crucial Champions League match, the team must address their recent shortcomings and refocus on their goals. The reflections by Burn indicate that the squad is willing to have these difficult conversations, which could lead to significant improvements in performance.
Expert analysis suggests that such open dialogue can be beneficial for teams looking to turn things around.
Sports psychologist Dr. Alex Johnson commented, “When players are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns openly, it can create a more supportive environment. This can help identify areas of improvement and foster a stronger team spirit.”
Conclusion
A Call for Change
Dan Burn’s call for change reflects the need for Newcastle United to reassess their playing style and mentality. With upcoming matches against both domestic and international competition, the team must ensure they are mentally prepared to face any challenges. As Burn puts it, “We have needed to have uncomfortable conversations.” Only time will tell whether these conversations lead to tangible results on the pitch.
