Newcastle United left-back, Massaido Haidara, has voiced his frustrations in his latest interview with The Shields Gazette, admitting that several players in the squad are unhappy with their lack of game time.
The Frenchman signed for Newcastle in January 2013, and following several serious injury setbacks, Haidara has made just 2 cup appearances in the side this season, seeing most of his appearances come for the U-23’s.
Haidara, now 24 years-old, has not given up, but appears frustrated by his lack of first team opportunities.
He said this the following in an exclusive interview with The Gazette:
“He (Benitez) talks to me. He talks to everyone,”
“He has told me that he cannot play everyone and that some players must stay away from the first-team.
“But there are many games left until May and who knows if I will get my chance. Either way I will be ready if I am needed.”
While he admits to being ready if called upon, the chances of the left-back playing again this season appear slim, with the likes of Achraf Lazaar and Jesus Gamez ahead of the Frenchman in the queue, should Paul Dummett miss out in any of the remaining 8 games.
Haidara continued:
“There are many players here with the same frustrations because we are not playing.”
“This is a problem when a team has so many good players. “We have a big squad. A quality squad.
“But every player must keep pushing. If we all do that we will get better as a team.”
It is interesting to hear him say that ‘many players’ are dealing with the same frustrations (lack of game time).
I imagine the likes of Matz Sels, Rob Elliot, Grant Hanley, Chancel Mbemba, Achraf Lazaar, Jesus Gamez and Aleksandar Mitrovic all fit into this category to different extents.
With Haidara currently third or fourth choice at left-back, I don’t expect the Frenchman to play again this season and wouldn’t be surprised to see him let go this summer, to seek first-team football elsewhere.
It looks like a move that would suit all parties.
