Eddie Howe bursts out laughing over Celtic claim as Newcastle boss sees funny side of pasting
Boss Eddie Howe couldn't help but laugh as he insisted Newcastle United put in a good performance against Celtic - minus the four goals they conceded.
Brendan Rodgers saw his side thump the Premier League side thanks to Arne Engels penalty and goals from Johnny Kenny, Yang and Liam Scales.
But after the full-time whistle, the Newcastle boss attempted to search for the positives from a lacklustre afternoon for his Champions League-bound side at Celtic Park.
He said: "We take a load from that. That was a really good test for us. I think the pre-season is designed to really test us.
"We know we've got a very challenging season ahead with all the competitions that we are in.
"This was a test that, maybe, came a little bit too early for us. We have had a long week in Austria, not making excuses by the way, but the lads came into the game jaded, slightly, but it was a great workout for us.
"I think Celtic played very well. I thought we played well in phases of the game. I thought we created a lot of chances and should have scored a couple of goals. Overall, I think we will be better for the game.
Pressed on if the difference in the club stage of pre-season showed - with Newcastle's trip to Glasgow only their second friendly clash- Howe continued: "Yeah, it did, naturally.
"I think they are way ahead of us, fitness wise. I think that's a really useful lesson for us to learn because we usually do that to other teams.
"The power of our fitness usually shows through in our performances. Today, it was the other way around.
"You could tell we were on the receiving end a little bit. We were reactive rather than proactive and that cost us. I think the goals we conceded, naturally, were the poorest aspects of our performance, because other than that..."
Howe then laughed: "Other than four goals.....it wasn't a game when we were consistently under pressure. We more than held our own. We obviously just defended those moments poorly."
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