Sven Botman enjoying team bonding training camp but says he can’t wait for season to kick off

Sven Botman became the third Newcastle United summer signing at the start of the month.

The transfer eventually completed 16 days ago and now the former Lille star fully focused on the challenges ahead with Newcastle United.

Interviewed out at Newcastle’s training camp in Austria, Sven Botman has spoken about the importance of pre-season. Getting players fully fit and training camps away, helping to ensure squad bonding and developing the playing strategy for the season ahead.

Friday saw Sven Botman stroll through his first 45 minutes for Newcastle United. The defender impressing fans with the way he both defended and played the ball, as United scored three after his introduction to win 3-0.

Next up is Mainz 05 tomorrow (Monday 18 July), whilst only 20 days now until the Premier League season kicks off against Nottingham Forest.

Sven Botman asked by the official club site about playing for NUFC for the first time, coming on at half-time in the 3-0 win over 1860 Munich:

“It felt very good – finally – after some weeks training.

“It feels very nice to wear the shirt of this club for the first time.

“Of course, when I signed here, you’re always looking towards which game is your first one. This is a friendly, and I’m now looking forward to the first (Premier League) game.

“It was just excitement, really. I’ve been training now for a couple of days with this group and it feels very good, and in an adapting way it has gone fast, which is good for me.

“Now it’s just time to see what is each other’s strengths and get to know each other more and more. It’s all positive points.

“It’s always good (at pre-season training camps) because you see each other 24/seven.

“It’s not the always the nicest time of the year – you get a lot of (physical) training and everything – but it’s very good for yourself to get yourself into a new team and get to know everybody, as well as a new system, a new way of training, a new way of playing. It’s very good to have these kind of trips.

“It’s been quite hot here – I think around 30 degrees – and it’s always hard, pre-season is always hard. But it’s good for you, to get ready for the league, and we are all excited for that. Everybody is working hard.

“It was good (against 1860 Munich), of course, when the fans are backing you, supporting you. It feels so good, of course.

“It’s always nice to know that they are there, behind you. I have heard so many good stories about them. I’m so excited to see them in the stadium. I heard also that the friendlies (against Atalanta and Athletic Club) are already almost filling up? It’s crazy. I’m just excited about what’s coming.”