Eddie Howe has been forced to take a different approach to Newcastle United’s training schedule this week as he looks for a way to manage fatigue ahead of Sunday’s massive Tyne-Wear derby.
The team arrived back on Tyneside exhausted after another demanding Champions League match, and the short turnaround has left Howe with little time to prepare for one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the season.
Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night delivered both excitement and strain, and Howe knows that recovering properly might be just as important as tactics when facing Sunderland.
This derby will be only Howe’s second as Newcastle manager, and he understands how much it means to the supporters. The rivalry is deep, fierce, and full of unforgettable memories. Fans still talk about the 5-1 win under Chris Hughton, a game that felt magical from the first whistle.
Many remember the shock of being three goals ahead by half-time and the roar that echoed around the stadium that day. Moments like that stay with supporters for a lifetime, and Howe knows that victory on Sunday could give them another moment of that magnitude.
To give his squad the best possible chance, Howe has shifted his usual routine. This change mirrors a schedule that seemed to work earlier this season during another demanding stretch of games.
After the Champions League defeat to Marseille, Newcastle bounced back immediately and produced one of their best away performances of the campaign with a 4-1 win over Everton. That result came after a similar training setup, and Howe is hoping that repeating it will bring the same energy and focus.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Newcastle’s players were asked to train on Thursday despite returning from Germany in the early hours of the morning. Rather than rest immediately, Howe wanted them to stay in rhythm by going straight into a light session.
He then balanced that effort by giving the squad Friday off to recover fully. They will train again on Saturday for the final preparations.
Another noticeable change is how Newcastle will travel on matchday. Instead of spending the night in a hotel, the squad will leave for the Stadium of Light directly from the training ground by coach.
This is the same approach Howe used before the Everton victory, and he believes the familiarity of the routine helps the players stay sharp and relaxed. In a game as intense as a Tyne-Wear derby, small details like comfort, rhythm, and mental freshness can make a big difference.
While Howe and his staff are doing everything they can to manage fatigue, Sunderland have enjoyed a much calmer week. Regis Le Bris and his team have had the luxury of a full build-up to Sunday’s clash.
They have no European fixtures to navigate, which means their schedule has been far lighter. They were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup early, giving them extra time to prepare and recover throughout the season. That freedom means they can focus entirely on the derby without worrying about tired legs or bruised bodies from midweek battles.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are juggling multiple competitions, long flights, and high-intensity matches. The effort required to compete in Europe is enormous, and the physical toll is obvious.
Howe would love the kind of preparation time Sunderland have enjoyed, but that is simply not his reality. Instead, he must find creative ways to keep his team fresh while maintaining momentum.
Despite all the challenges, there is a belief that Newcastle can rise to the occasion. Fatigue is a concern, but derby matches are often played on emotion as much as energy.
The noise, the pressure, and the desire to claim bragging rights can push players beyond their usual limits. Howe will be counting on that passion to carry his side through, along with his thoughtful adjustments to their routine.
A win on Sunday would not just lift the mood after a tiring week; it would add another unforgettable chapter to a rivalry that never fails to deliver drama.
