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Hasn’t taken long for Chancel Mbemba to work out one of Newcastle’s biggest problems

9 years ago
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Chancel Mbemba says that his debut on Saturday for Newcastle United against Borussia Monchengladbach, was a ‘great’ and ‘proud’ day.

However, the (soon to be) former Anderlecht defender revealed he had only ever played at right-back once before in his career.

With a lack of training with his new teammates and the club stating that Mbemba has to go ‘overseas’ this week to finalise his work visa, the player coming on in a position that wasn’t centre-back, simply confirms that there is no chance of Steve McClaren starting him this weekend against Southampton.

He may not have been here long but Mbemba has already picked up on the fact that Newcastle don’t score enough goals, pointing out that Monchengladbach took the chance when it came, whilst United wasted theirs.

Chancel Mbemba speaking to the official club website:

“A great day and I was really proud to hear the crowd clapping and shouting my name, glad to be able to get out onto the pitch and help the team.

“I have only ever played there (right-back) once before – for Anderlecht, and never since but I am happy to play anywhere the coach and team need me to. I can’t tell you how I did though, that is up to the coaches and the fans to tell you that.”

Opportunities:

“The team played quite well and we managed the first half pretty well, however, in football when you get chances you have to take them and maybe we missed a few of our opportunities. Monchengladbach had one chance and took it, that was the difference

“The Premier League season is just around the corner and we went out there and played well against a very good side. It has given us confidence to take into next weekend.”

Atmosphere:

“I wasn’t too surprised because everyone I have spoken to since arriving here has told me what the atmosphere and noise is like when the stadium gets going.

“This was just a friendly match and obviously wasn’t full but hopefully in the first game of the season we will see a full stadium with everyone really behind us, that will be important to drive us on as a team.”

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