Eddie Howe has a new-found love of warm-weather training breaks. “It really did unite the squad," he told reporters while discussing Newcastle United 's recent break in Saudi Arabia.
"I think the players felt that and you’ve seen what has happened since we've come back. The results have been very strong and the spirit very good off the back of that, so we’ll look at doing something similar."
January's Jeddah jaunt proved an inspired decision, as the Magpies returned to the UK and recorded much-needed wins against Everton, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton and Southampton - with a point at West Ham thrown in for good measure.
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Howe is hoping for a similar effect when his players return from their current trip after the club opted for a Dubai break before the Tottenham clash on April 3.
As numerous Newcastle players have stressed, it is a chance to bond as a group in a different setting, while also staying in tip top shape ahead of the business end of the season. But more than anything, the state of the art facilities are a world away from those found in the north east, with the world's best clubs opting to jet out and take full advantage.
The Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex which is being used by Newcastle in Dubai has previously played host to Manchester United, Arsenal and Celtic. The luxury location includes everything a player could ever dream of when it comes to recovering from an intense session or injury.
The Dubai complex plays home to a fully-equipped gym, swimming pool, plunge pool, steam room, sauna and large dressing room for up to 25 players. Altitude chambers, cryo chambers, climate chambers and a performance lab are also included.
Two full-size football pitches can be used, both of which are up to FIFA standard. Players can also make full use of courts for a number of sports, including squash, padel, beach football and volleyball as well as badminton and fencing.
A mosque, a Starbucks and the world's deepest recreational pool are just a few other facilities that can be found on the site. Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was in desperate need of a form boost when he used the Dubai site with the Scottish giants. And the Bhoys went on to win their first seven matches upon returning to the UK.
"This gives us a chance to recharge and get some good coaching work into the players but also to really connect again - and in great weather," Rodgers said.
Newcastle players will have made extensive use of the activities on offer in recent days once their training sessions were completed, with captain Jamaal Lascelles admitting that the group have tried to make more effort away from the pitch.
“I think even more so, it’s more important because we’ve been in a lockdown, in football we kind of missed that team camaraderie," he told NUFC TV. "Going for team meals, seeing each other outside of football - you miss that a little bit.
“There was some quality time that we managed to spend out there with each other and getting to know each other better. When you train with each other every single day in the same environment, you ask each other questions but you just see one side of each other.
"Whereas in places like this or Saudi, there are so many different experiences and things to do and it brings out a different side to people. It’s huge. It’s big for team chemistry and hopefully, it goes a long way.”
Newcastle recorded a 5-0 rout over Gulf United on Thursday afternoon to bring an end to their week-long stay in Dubai. Magpies legend Steven Taylor is the current manager of the Middle East outfit.
