FABIAN SCHAR has insisted Newcastle United’s players do not care about being unpopular as they look to continue their ascent on multiple fronts this season.

Last term, the Magpies were criticised on a number of occasions for their perceived ‘gamesmanship’, with Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag both bemoaning the amount of the time the ball was not in play during Newcastle games.

This season, the criticism has continued, with Arteta unable to contain his fury in the wake of Saturday’s controversial game at St James’ Park that ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Gunners.

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Arteta directed his fury at both VAR and Newcastle at the weekend, with Jamaal Lascelles subsequently revealing that Arsenal captain Jorginho refused to shake his hand after the final whistle, but speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game with Borussia Dortmund, Schar doubled down on the Magpies’ hard-headed approach.

“I enjoy doing whatever it takes to win a game,” said the Swiss centre-half, who will once again partner Jamaal Lascelles at Signal Iduna Park. “Sometimes, it is what is needed.

“A game can go different ways. We know what we need to do. Sometimes, you play nice football, and sometimes, like Saturday, you have games that are really tight and intense, a lot of fouls. There were things off the pitch too, but I don’t really care, it’s the three points that matters.”

Schar is one of a number of Newcastle players who have been on every step of the club’s journey from regular relegation candidates to Champions League contenders.

The 31-year-old was effectively written off by former boss, Steve Bruce, but has developed into one of the best defensive ball-players in the Premier League under Eddie Howe.

“Did I see myself playing in the Champions League with Newcastle when I joined? Probably not, no, to be honest,” said Schar. “But at that stage, I wouldn't even think about it.

“It was different times, for the first three or four years at Newcastle were almost more or less fighting against relegation, which is obviously very different.

“I think that makes it even better for myself to still be at this club, which I love so much, and now playing in the Champions League and having these good times over the last years. I'm just enjoying the moment and enjoying it more.”