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McClaren Set For Mentality Test
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren believes he will learn plenty about the mentality of his players at Swansea this weekend
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Steve McClaren believes he will learn plenty about the mentality of his players, as Newcastle United travel to one of the most "exciting" teams in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.
At the Liberty Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off), the Magpies face Swansea City - a side who have firmly established themselves in the top flight since their promotion in 2011.
Renowned for playing attractive, attacking football, the Swans have continued to progress under the tutelage of rookie boss Garry Monk, finishing eighth last season - their highest finish and points haul in the Premier League.
And McClaren is in no doubt that they will provide a stern examination of his squad's psychological make-up.
"It's an away test at Swansea who, over the years, are one of the clubs that lower league clubs model themselves on," said United's head coach.
"They are a perfect model for coming up through the leagues into the Premier League and not just consolidating, but going on.
"When they change manager the transition is smooth, and a lot of credit should go to Huw Jenkins - the chairman - who runs the club so well.
"Away from home is tougher, it's harder, and that is what I want to see. I want to see the mentality of the players (on Saturday), dealing with everything that comes with playing away from home in the Premier League.
"That is one of the things I will be looking at very closely."
McClaren was full of praise for the job Monk has done in South Wales - not only for the impressive results and style on the pitch, but also the 36-year-old's seamless transition from centre-back to manager 18 months ago.
"I'm a big admirer of Swansea and the style of football they play," he continued.
"That stems from the Brendan Rodgers days in the Championship, and they have kept that style all the way through.
"Garry Monk has done a fantastic job for someone who has just come out of playing and gone straight into management. He has been a breath of fresh air.
"He has an advantage because the club offers a smooth transition. He knows how they play and how to adapt, but to go into Premier League management at that age and do as well as he has done, is absolutely fantastic.
"I love their style of football, love the way they play the game - it's the right way, the correct way. They are exciting, they control the ball and possession, and it's effective."