Eddie Howe has confessed the pre-season friendly against Celtic came "too early" for Newcastle.
The manager of the Premier League side accepted that his side were well beaten by Celtic as he cited the difference in fitness levels on display.
Howe suggested his players had entered the match 'slightly jaded' after a training camp in Austria before the 4-0 loss at Celtic Park.
Eddie Howe reflects on this afternoon's pre-season friendly in Glasgow. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/CS1Pxp6VLc
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 19, 2025
Despite the heavy defeat, Howe hailed the pre-season friendly as a worthwhile exercise as he saluted Celtic's performance.
"We take a load from that. That was a really good test for us," he told Newcastle club media.
"This was a test that maybe came a little bit too early for us.
"We've had a long week in Austria. Not making excuses by the way but the lads came into the game jaded, slightly.
"It was a great workout for us. I think Celtic played very well.
"I thought we played well in phases of the game, we created chances and should have scored a couple of goals.
"Overall, I think the team will be better for the game."
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Howe then suggested his side did "hold their own" in the fixture despite the scoreline.
He added: "They are way ahead of us fitness-wise. It's a really useful lesson for us to learn because we usually do that to other teams.
"The power of our fitness usually shows in our performances, today it was the other way round.
"Other than four goals...it wasn't a game where we were consistenly under pressure. We more than held our own but defended those moments poorly."
