Rafa Benitez is an experienced manager who transformed Newcastle’s squad over the summer transfer window and the team is still gelling but if we keep improving like we have so far this season we could become a really top side quite soon.
That’s the hope anyway as Rafa gets to grips with his new players and we certainly brought in some bargains over the summer – players like Matt Ritchie, DeAndre Yedlin, Grant Hanley, Isaac Hayden, Ciaran Clark and Mo Diame to name only six.
Kevin Mbabu in action for Young Boys against Bazenheid
21 year-old Kevin Mbabu hopes to return to Newcastle next summer as a better player after his loan spell to BSC Young Boys and the problem Kevin has had in his Newcastle career is that he has been injured most of the time.
The 21 year old had a number of injuries whilst on Tyneside since signing for us in January of 2103 and the defender made his debut last Sunday in the cup against Bazenheid for BSC Young Boys.
This is what he told Berner Zeitung after the game:
“I needed time to find the game, felt some pressure,” “It was good for the confidence.”
“By now I know exactly what it takes. It is important to complete a season without injury.”But that was hopefully just the beginning.”
“I hope to still often play in this league.”
And Kevin also talked about his almost four years so far at Newcastle:
“In the beginning it was not easy without family and friends in a country where you do not understand the language.”
(yes – that Geordie can be difficult)
“But then I got used to the intense training, learned a lot, I have no regrets.”
Young Boys Coach Adi Hutter was impressed with Kevin:
“He is talented and will continue to develop with us. But we must not forget that he has not previously played a long time.”
“It has been seen that he is a robust and strong player with potential.”
“He has integrated very well with us.”
So far that’s Kevin’s only first team appearance and he has also played twice for the BSC Young Boys U-21 side.
Kevin will need to do well this season with Rafa during the summer having brought in five new back four players including three new full backs – Jesus Gamez, DeAndre Yedlin and Achraf Lazaar.
Comments welcome.
46 comments so far
Bobbybee
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:01 PM
Comment #41We’re currently sitting second in the U18’s league Jimmy, having only lost one game. Another part of the club Rafa’s influence is showing through.
Bobbybee
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:04 PM
Comment #42Anyway, for some real entertainment I think I’ll watch the presidential debate. Two of the most unelectable and unlikeable candidates in American history going head to head. 🙂 should make for essential viewing.
Griff-toon
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:17 PM
Comment #43Do any of you think we have a small psycological advantage vs Norwich because of the 6-2 win last time?
JAMSHA
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:23 PM
Comment #44Harsh Ppl Blameng Sels, Give Him Time, Gayle And Diame Should Be Blamed Aswell Only If They Had Managed To Score 1 Of Those 4 Easy Chances There Wouldnt Be So Much Pressure
jimmysmith
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:26 PM
Comment #45I think if we play to our potential we’ll win well. There’s always the looming spectre of the heavy shirt that so often seems to weigh us down at home. With the level of support we get, there’s a sizeable weight of expectation beyond our actual achievement. We can win 6 nil at QPR, then lose 2 nil at home to Wolves. Performance anxiety, feet of clay, whatever you call it, we are dogged by it.
jimmysmith
Sep 26, 2016 at 10:39 PM
Comment #46Mitrovic and Murphy need more game time now to press their claims. Gayle has been given a fair shake while those two have been out of the picture, but I’m far from convinced he should be the main man up top. Our best performance was at QPR, and Mitro was up top, in his first full game, with Perez behind and both were very good. I’d like to see them both start against Norwich.