Summer arrival Lazar Stojsavljevic says Newport County AFC have to get themselves into a winning mindset during pre-season in order to start the 2019/20 League Two campaign on a positive footing.
A Newport County AFC XI take a walk down memory lane to face Moreton Rangers at Moreton-In-Marsh next Friday, before a further five friendlies to conclude pre-season.
County will travel to Undy AFC, Shrewsbury Town, Bath City and Weston Super Mare, completing their schedule with a home time against Chelsea U23s 10 days before the season starts.
Click here to read more about County’s pre-season plans.
During pre-season schedules, results don’t always matter as long as the team gets from the matches what they need in terms of fitness and chemistry, but Stojsavljevic says momentum needs to be built up ahead of the League Two campaign.
Here, you can read what County’s summer recruit told iFollow Exiles after day two of pre-season training.
On how he’s settling in…
"It’s been really good. It’s been a tough first two days, a lot of running, but it’s been good.
"The lads have been great – they’ve made us new boys feel welcome within the squad which has helped. I’m enjoying it.
"You can tell from the first day at this football club that everyone is in it together and everyone has each other’s backs.
"It helps massively I think when you start at a new club on the first day of pre-season. You get to meet everyone early and that does help. The lads and the gaffer have made me feel so welcome.
"The lads talk to you all the time to make sure that you feel welcome within the team. They’ve helped with anything I’ve needed, explained how the club works – what you can do and what you can’t do.
"They’ve been really helpful on a day-to-day basis."
On learning about the competition within the squad…
"It keeps you on your toes all the time knowing there’s other players in your position within the squad.
"It brings the best out of you because you know you have to perform well in games and training to play on a matchday.
"Also, I see it as healthy competition which is good.
"Within this squad, we know that in every game and training session, we’ve got to be at the top of our game.
"There’s players here who play the same position and can play just as well, if not better. You just have to keep playing well to get in and then stay in the team."
On wanting to build a winning mentality during pre-season friendlies…
"Pre-season is about avoiding any injuries if possible and getting the fitness levels up – getting used to game time and working on things.
"I don’t think anyone likes losing and no one will be going into any of the pre-season fixtures thinking that they wouldn’t mind losing.
"That is not the right attitude to have because even if it’s a friendly, we have to go in with a winning mindset.
Myself personally, I just want to win regardless of whether it’s a scrappy game or whatever. Winning is the most important thing."
From just £4.49 per month or £45 for a Season Pass, you will have access to exclusive post-match interviews after every match, exclusive behind the scenes content, full match replays, extended highlights (with commentary) from all EFL Matches and full LIVE commentary from EVERY Newport County AFC match.
The majority of your iFollow fee goes to straight back to the Club.