Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says beating Urawa Red Diamonds in hot conditions in Japan will have done his side “the world of good”.
The Magpies won 4-1 with a double from Jacob Murphy and a goal each from Alexander Isak and Lewis Hall.
“It was really hard conditions for the lads today, I was sweating just watching,” Howe told club media after the game. “That will have done us the world of good.
“Tough physically but I thought the lads did really well to execute what we wanted to do. Four good goals.
“It’s not just the heat, its the travelling. You can manage the flight but how do you feel two days afterwards to give your best performance in these conditions?
“It’s a mental test more than anything and the players passed that test. I think we will come back from this match stronger.”
Newcastle conceded an equaliser after Isak opened the scoring and goalkeeper Nick Pope had to make a fine save to from a penalty shortly after to prevent his team falling behind.
“Not a perfect defensive performance so work to do there but overall very happy,” Howe added.
“I thought it was a patchy performance to be honest. There were some really good bits and some bits to work on.”
Isak scored 25 goals in all competitions last season and Howe was impressed by his performance in Japan.
“I thought he was amazing today,” he added.
“He looked really sharp, looked really fluid in his movement, really quick, dynamic, pressed well.
“Really happy with his individual performance.”
Eddie Howe,Alexander Isak,Urawa Red Diamonds,Lewis Hall,Japan,The Magpies,Nick Pope,Jacob Murphy
