Sven Botman has enjoyed his first preseason with Newcastle.
Botman was happy to be part of Newcastle’s preseason win against Athletic Bilbao.
It was the Dutch U-21 international’s first appearance at St. James’ Park after arriving at the club earlier this summer.
“Of course, it’s very good for our confidence – yesterday and today as well,” Botman told NUFC.co.uk “I think we are ready for the season. It’s always nice to get a 1-0 early in the game. I think we controlled the first-half very well and played really good positionally and defending good as a team.
“I think second-half it was difficult, we made it good [to get to] 2-0 but at 2-1 we lost control and it’s definitely something we need to work on. I’m looking at the positives, today we won and we played a very good first-half. We just need to control and continue with this level from the first-half.
“After pre-season you always have things you need to work on. It’s good that we see it now and talk about it to be ready for the first game. They were a very good opponent and have good players as well.
“It was a good test. I think you can compare them with Premier League teams. There was a lot of running behind, the tempo was high in the first-half. The second-half I think everybody was a bit tired, it dropped a little bit – also from their side.”
It was a solid display from the Dutch centre-half and he was taken aback by the support against the La Liga outfit.
“I enjoyed it a lot – it’s amazing,” said Botman. “I think if you ask me one club that has a full stadium in a friendly game, I don’t think I could tell you. Newcastle is one, it’s crazy and great to feel the atmosphere and play here.
“I enjoyed it and I was looking in the stadium and realising what was happening and enjoyed the moment. We have a long pre-season and the best thing is to be in the season with a lot of games. I always prefer league games so I’m looking forward to it.”
