Fabian Schar believes Newcastle United's improved defence comes down to 'hard work' which has made the team 'much more organised' under Eddie Howe. The Magpies are yet to concede this season, having followed up an opening-day win over Nottingham Forest with a hard-fought draw at Brighton.
Schar has become a first-team regular once again following Howe's appointment last November. The Swiss international had fallen out of favour under former head coach Steve Bruce, with the likes of Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez often selected ahead of the 30-year-old.
Schar quickly struck up a partnership with January signing Dan Burn in the second-half of last season as the Magpies comfortably pulled clear of relegation danger. The pair have already helped Newcastle register two clean sheets, a feat which the team did not achieve until February in the previous campaign.
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When asked for the secret behind this defensive turnaround, Schar told NUFC TV: "Obviously the work started last year already. We've had a process for the last half of the year, and we're building on this.
"We're just trying to get better as a team and the way we defend collectively. Not just the back four but with the 'keeper, everyone is putting in hard work in the games.
"It's what we gain from it, clean sheets are very important in the Premier League and I think we are much more organised than half a year ago. We work as a group and a team, and it's what we do every day in training."
Matt Targett's injury meant Howe handed summer signing Sven Botman his first competitive start for the club in the draw at the Amex Stadium. The former Lille star delivered an assured display alongside Schar, with Burn moved across to left-back.
It has inevitably led to suggestions the left-sided spot in central defence could be up for grabs. Having now played alongside both players, Schar was asked for any similarities or differences between the two.
The Swiss international said: "They're both left-footed and both quite tall so it's quite similar to be fair! I've played with Dan a lot last year, and I think the partnership was great.
"I feel really comfortable with him, and we've done really well. Now Sven has come in and you see the quality he has from day one, he's very young and has got a bright future so he's a great addition for our team
"I'd just say both are very good players and it's nice to have this quality in the team, and I enjoy being a part of it as well."
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