Newcastle United's new captain, Dan Burn, is determined to lead the club back into Europe and challenge for major domestic trophies. With a new head coach, Matthias Jaissle, and a host of young signings, Burn believes the team's 'underdog mentality' will be key to their success.
The summer has been turbulent for the club, with the departures of manager Eddie Howe and influential players like Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon. Burn, who has been getting to know his new teammates, acknowledges the challenge of integrating these young players into the team.
"We've always done well as a team when it's us against the world," Burn said after a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg in their final pre-season friendly. "I feel like we were always written off a little bit. We always seem to be backs against the wall fighting. For me, that's when we play at our best, when we've got that underdog mentality, so hopefully we will kick on."
Burn recognizes the need for time and patience as the team adjusts to its new identity. He is confident in the ability of the young signings, stating, "Right now, can you tell if someone is going to be the next Bruno? Maybe not, but I think there's definitely ability there."
Jaissle's emphasis on "transition" and Burn's role as a vocal leader will be crucial in guiding the younger players through this period of change. The club's senior players, including Burn, will need to push their teammates to maintain the high standards set during Howe's tenure, when Newcastle qualified for the Champions League and won the EFL Cup.
However, Burn notes a shift in the team's style of play, saying, "It seemed everything we did was stopped in the Premier League in the season after. It's more a mentality. Not that we ever tried to hurt people, but everyone said that. People feared us and didn't want to play against us. I'd love for us to have a bit of that."
As the team prepares for the new season, Burn is excited about the upcoming match against Liverpool at St James' Park, which will be an emotional tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, a former player and manager at both clubs. Burn had lunch with Keegan in May and described him as a "great person to be around."
"I don't think we need any motivation," Burn said. "Either us or the city."
With a mix of experience and youth, and a renewed focus on the team's identity, Burn is confident that Newcastle United will make a strong showing in the Premier League and beyond.
