Jamaal Lascelles has done very well since Rafa Benitez came to the club on Friday, March 11th, 2016.
Jamaal got very little playing time under the former manager Steve McClaren but Rafa immediately saw Jamaal’s playing potential and obvious leadership qualities.
The Derby-born player went straight into the side and did so well and Rafa made him captain that summer when he was only 22 years old.
He had played only 21 games for the first team at that point – he has now played 113 games for the Magpies.
Newcastle manager and captain
Jamaal has talked about how strong-minded Rafa is and that players do not question the decisions he makes.
This is what he has said in the Chronicle today:
“I don’t think anybody can question the manager.”
“He is the one who picks the right starting eleven and he has managed at the top level.”
“As players we know that and respect it.” “We all trust the manager.”
“He treats everybody the same.” “The door is always open and he will go through everything each team.
“Little things he will speak to you about.” “But he’s strong-minded and whatever he says goes.”
“I had his full backing.” “He has made me captain and pretty sure he wants to be here.”
“He has been a huge factor in my development from the minute he walked in until now.”
“I have found myself improving as a player, captain and person.” “His door is always open.”
“Since I have been here good things have happened to me.”
“I’m 24 and a lot of the lads in the dressing room are older than me.” “But I can deal with the pressure.”
“I have got good people around me and I know what to do in certain situations.”
“The manager also guides me and tells me how to do certain things.”
“He’s had captains like John Terry and Steven Gerrard.” “He’s done it all.”
“I know he wanted to keep me happy (regarding the new contract).”
Jamaal is recovering from a shoulder injury and we are hoping he will be fully fit for our next game a week on Monday at Turf Moor.
But Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez have been in great form over the last couple of games and could keep their places in central defense.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
13 comments so far
Jail for Ashley
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:24 AM
Comment #1Munster,
You forgot to add that if Rafa hadn’t of wasted Mikey’s precious funds on Lazaar and identified the next Roberto Carlos instead we wouldn’t be in this mess. That would be fair balanced criticism.
Lindisfarne
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:38 AM
Comment #2https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gallery/newcastle-united-youngsters-train-first-15421938
Almost like Rafa can see into the future!
Jib
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:40 AM
Comment #3Achraf Lazaar could probably step up to the plate.
He was getting good reports from the U23’s
Jib
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:42 AM
Comment #4Liam Gibson has been doing OK as well.
Lindisfarne
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:48 AM
Comment #5Rafa bringing the U23s into the training squad is probably to give competition to those players that are not regular first team picks. Manquilio is probably ahead of Lazaar.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:53 AM
Comment #6Have ro agree with Jail there! Would have been nice if so much money wasn’t wasted!
…you said it Jail!
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:54 AM
Comment #7Wonder If would even buy a LB in January if money are available…
Lindisfarne
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:55 AM
Comment #8Wise-o-vision: Krzysztof Piatek
https://youtu.be/pfvrXWb7JHw
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:56 AM
Comment #9In defence of Munster he does have to answer a lot about fair criticism from probably the only ones on here who are not fair in their criticism…not even to safe their own life!
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:56 AM
Comment #10Sometimes it’s worth to mention the obvious!
Jail for Ashley
Nov 17, 2018 at 9:58 AM
Comment #11jesperfuglsang – awesome capt’n of the lemon crew,
I was being sarcarstic, what money do you believe was wasted. How about Fulham wasting 27M on Mitrovich?
Jail for Ashley
Nov 17, 2018 at 10:13 AM
Comment #12Daryl Murphy.
A whole 1.5M was wasted on him. Ross McCormack, Villa paid 12M and he decided he didn’t want to be a professional footballer anymore. Villa are still in the Championship and have as much chance of being promoted as about eight other clubs have.
dig-n-dig22
Nov 17, 2018 at 10:30 AM
Comment #13Selective memoy regarding the Murphys!
The other one cost £ 11 Mill and can’t even make the bench now.