Newcastle United's pre-season challenge is about to move up a few levels in terms of difficulty with a clash against Mainz 05 coming up on Monday.
After a tricky first half against third tier German side 1860 Munich, Eddie Howe's team looked capable as they netted with ease after the break and won it 3-0. They now face up to a side from the Bundesliga who finished eighth last term.
If any reminders were needed of what Mainz 05 are capable of on their day you need only look back as recently as April when they beat Bayern Munich 3-1 at home. Although, Bo Svensson's side will come into this game after losing 1-0 to Besiktas this week.
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Svensson was annoyed after the game in Istanbul after some tough challenges went in. Given Newcastle's friendly with 1860 resulted in a couple of yellow cards for Jamaal Lascelles and Joelinton, it was hardly a toned down affair.
But Svensson was clear about the nature of challenges in pre-season and said: "It's pointless. If one of my players did that in a test match, I would consider replacing him.
"Tough duels for the ball, tactical fouls, that happens sometimes, but chasing, feeling that you're not going fast enough and then sliding opponents is a different story. That's why I was upset. "
Howe will rotate his squad again after using 22 players against 1860 Munich with Jay Turner-Cooke and Matty Longstaff not getting any minutes on Friday. Howe stated that he does not expect too many departures from his squad in the remainder of the summer but hinted some younger players will be loaned out.
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