Eddie Howe urges patience as Newcastle star requires 'pre-season' program originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Nick Woltemade had his best "physical performance" against Benfica and Howe added: "His pressing from the front, his durability and his robustness was excellent, but the challenge for him is being able to put in that kind of performance every three or four days now - and that isn't easy."

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says midfielder Sandro Tonali “felt the love” from team-mates and fans when he signed a secret contract extension at the club.

Eddie Howe had hinted at his pre-match press conference that the Italian may not feature against Benfica after revealing he had been suffering with illness. Tonali missed training with his teammates on Monday and, despite being named on the bench by Howe for the visit of Benfica, remained an unused substitute.

Dan Burn's weaknesses were fully exposed during Newcastle United's Champions League win over Benfica at St James' Park.

Eddie Howe challenges Newcastle to back up impressive Champions League display - Newcastle swept aside Jose Mourinho’s Benfica at St James’ Park.