Anthony Gordon is having to adapt to a ‘totally different’ training plan at Barcelona following his £70million move from Newcastle United.

Gordon joined Newcastle in January 2023 and went on to make 152 appearances for the club under head coach Eddie Howe.

Howe was known for his intense and meticulous training sessions on Tyneside and often cited a lack of training time during European campaigns as a contributing factor to his side’s inconsistent league performances.

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But Howe’s methods helped Newcastle twice qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup during his time in charge.

Gordon spoke about having to adapt to Newcastle’s training methods after his arrival, as his initial impact on Tyneside was limited.

Reflecting on his slow start at Newcastle, Gordon said: “That was based on me not feeling fit enough during games for Newcastle, with the way we play and the way the manager [Howe] wants us to play, which is so intense.”

Gordon was limited to just four starts during his first half-season at Newcastle but went on to become one of the most important players in Howe’s side, scoring 38 goals in all competitions and becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League in the process.

His impressive Champions League performances last season contributed to him securing a move to Spanish giants Barcelona. Gordon has been a regular in the Barca side so far this season, contributing with three goals and five assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.

Hansi Flick on Newcastle United

While Gordon had to adapt to Newcastle’s intense training following his arrival on Tyneside back in 2023, he is also having to adapt to the change of pace at Barcelona.

When reflecting on Gordon’s start to life at Barcelona, head coach Flick made reference to Newcastle’s training methods.

“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.”