Sir Bobby Wants a Tough Workout

By Matthew Jones
July 23 2003

It will be tough out there in Malaysia as Newcastle United take part in the Asia Cup, but Sir Bobby Robson believes it will put them in good shape for the Champions League Qualifiers, and the opening game of the Premiership.

Sir Bobby Robson believes that Newcastle United's Asia Cup exertions will put them on good physical ground for their Champions League qualifiers.

The draw for the third qualifying round of the competition takes place on Friday and Newcastle will be playing the first leg of their tie the week before the Premiership season starts.

Chelsea boss, Ranieri, said yesyerday that "money cannot match Newcastle".

"We are in Malaysia to make sure we go into those qualifiers in tip-top shape," said the United boss. "The Asia Cup is a vital part of our preparations before we kick off our competitive season in three weeks' time.

"Of course we want to be in the Champions League again, but I have looked at some of the teams we could face and there are some fairly difficult opponents in there.

"We must be ready and we know the games in Kuala Lumpur will be both rugged and competitive. That's exactly what we need."

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