An address from chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan this week has given Newcastle United's players even more belief and highlights the togetherness in the camp - both in the dressing room and between club chiefs.

Newcastle's squad were invited to the chairman's home in Saudi earlier this week, an evening, said Joelinton, that served to further strengthen the feeling of togetherness at the club.

"It was nice," said the Brazilian midfielder.

"We spent time together with his family. He's a very open person, we had a very good night."

READ MORE: Eddie Howe 'managing confidence' as Newcastle United boss hopes for Saudi repeat

Joelinton says the strong connection between the playing staff and hierarchy will benefit the Magpies on the pitch.

He told NUFC TV: "It's very important, it shows the owners and players and staff are going in the same direction. It brings good things on the pitch, we know if we need anyone they are here for us."

Joelinton, like boss Eddie Howe, hopes this week's trip to Saudi has the same impact as the visit earlier in the year, from which Newcastle returned and set off on a superb run in the Premier League that saw them climb to safety.

This time, Newcastle will return with completely different ambitions, heading for Leicester on Boxing Day third in the Premier League table.

Joelinton said of this week's trip: "It's been very good so far. There's a good vibe, it's positive. The training has been very good.

"We spend more time together as a team, we do things outside together. It's very good for the new players who came in the summer and for the rest of us as well.

"We remember our last trip and how it helped us a lot. Hopefully it works again and we come back even better and get good results."

Thanks to Newcastle's excellent form, there's a feeling of calm going into the January window. Howe met with sporting director Dan Ashworth in Riyadh this week to look ahead to the New Year.

The head coach is keen to strengthen his squad if possible but doesn't expect a lot of business, in or out. There'll be no repeat of last January when the Magpies signed five players.

On the pitch, Newcastle face Al-Hilal in Saudi on Thursday evening, 5pm UK time, one of two friendlies scheduled before competitive action resumes when Bournemouth visit St James' Park in the Carabao Cup.

Looking ahead to Thursday's outing, Joelinton said: "Every game is important, to play well, to win the game. It gives you confidence and we are preparing well and every game we give our best.

"It's a good week of hard training, to build our physicality, to come back stronger, because before the break we were doing very well. We have to build here and come back strong and continue the good run we had before the World Cup."

Joelinton also revealed that he's in regular contact with Bruno Guimarães in Qatar as his Newcastle teammate prepares for Brazil's quarter-final clash against Croatia on Friday.

Joelinton said: "I'm very happy for him. He's played very well. I hope he gets more chances to show the world how good he is and I hope he wins the title for Brazil.

"Before every game we talk, I wish him the best of luck. He's very happy and positive."

Meanwhile, Newcastle have announced a link-up with gaming company VOV, who will work with the club to grow a global digital and e-sports presence.

The club's chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone said: “Working with VOV will allow us to engage with Newcastle United fans via the popularity of e-sports and gaming in Saudi Arabia."

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