'They don't train' - Hansi Flick makes Newcastle United observation after Anthony Gordon Barcelona move
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has discussed Anthony Gordon's adaptation to his move from Newcastle United.
Hansi Flick revealed Anthony Gordon is adapting to a ‘totally different’ way of training and playing at Barcelona following his £70million summer transfer from Newcastle United.
Gordon spent three-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle, scoring 39 goals in 152 appearances for the club before joining Barcelona in the summer. He left Tyneside after a 12th-place finish in the Premier League but was part of two Champions League campaigns and a Carabao Cup win on Tyneside.
The England international has been a regular in Flick’s Barca side so far this season, contributing with three goals and five assists in 13 appearances across all competitions ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Aston Villa at Camp Nou.
Anthony Gordon on Barcelona
Barcelona currently sit top of the La Liga table and are among the favourites to win the Champions League this season.
Reflecting on his career path, Gordon told Sport: “At Everton, I was fighting relegation for two or three years, which was tough. At Newcastle, we were fighting for maybe the Champions League and to push up the table. And now I’m fighting with Barca for every trophy.
“I’ve had three very different challenges as far as the teams that I’ve played for. I really enjoyed all three because they’ve come with different things. They help you as a person, help you grow. But I think to be competing on every front for every trophy is definitely the most enjoyable.”
Hansi Flick namechecks Newcastle United
When reflecting on Gordon’s start to life at Barcelona, head coach Flick made reference to the change of pace the forward has experienced in regards to training.
“Normally, they don't train in Newcastle, so it's totally different than here,” Flick told TNT Sports. “But a bit different, I think, for him also, how we train, because it's totally different than he expected,
“I think, because what he said is after the game, normally, they don't train in Newcastle, so it's totally different than here, but he's doing good. So I'm very happy about his quality, about his impact he has in our team, and no, he's a good guy.”
Anthony Gordon farewell NUFC message
Upon leaving the Magpies, Gordon bid an emotional farewell to the club’s supporters. He wrote: "To Newcastle, three-and-a-half seasons have flown by, and it feels like I’ve been here all my life.
“I arrived as a young boy who had just left home and didn’t know what was to come, but from the very first day I knew I had come to the right place. I joined Newcastle because I felt my ambitions matched those of the club, the staff, and the players, and from my first session I knew this was the place I needed to be.
“To my teammates, staff, and coaching staff, I’m so thankful and grateful that I got to share every day with you all. I wouldn’t be the person or player I am without all of you pushing me each day and the special relationships I’ve been able to build during my time here.”