Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame has refuted claims that manager Rafael Benitez’s frustration this summer is causing the Magpies to perform poorly.
Newcastle United have endured a terrible start to their Premier League campaign after losing their first two matches of the Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur and Huddersfield Town, and to further compound the woes, the Magpies were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Championship side Nottingham Forest during the week.
It is clear to see that Newcastle are underperforming at the moment and many attribute the Magpies’ poor displays to manager Rafael Benitez being left frustrated at not being able to strengthen the squad with new signings this summer.
There is a belief that tension exists between Benitez and club owner Mike Ashley due to promises not being kept and although the situation is not helping, midfielder Mo Diame has gone on to rubbish claims that it is affecting the players’ performances on the pitch negatively.
When asked if the political situation unfolding in the background was affecting the players, Diame replied, “No we will not allow that. When we are out there on the pitch, it is all about football and winning the game. Nothing else matters.
“If some stuff happens outside, it can maybe affect us in – how can I say it? – our preparations for the game but as soon as you step on the pitch, you are playing football, you are trying to score goals and win games. That is it.
“We are always hearing a lot of people saying we need new signings and more strength in the squad but at the moment, this is what we’ve got.
“I believe we have enough quality but now, we need to fight for it, show character and carry the responsibility ourselves. No one said it was going to be easy.”