Chancel Mbemba has been in and out of the Newcastle side throughout the 2017-18 campaign.
Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba has told the club’s official website that “it hurts” to be overlooked from time to time as he comes in and out of the starting eleven.
The 23-year-old started four of Newcastle’s first six Premier League games before picking up an injury while on international duty that has since limited him to just two more matches in England’s top flight.
Mbemba, who was brought to St. James’ Park by former manager Steve McClaren in July 2015 from Belgian champions RSC Anderlecht, has been used at left-back as well as centre-back this season, as he vies for a first-team slot.
The 41-time DR Congo international stated that it is painful not to be in the side but stated his time in Africa as a child has helped him become strong mentally.
“Obviously, when I am not in the team, it hurts,” Mbemba said. “But this is the reality of football. When these things happen, you need to be very strong mentally and continue to work.
“The manager is the one who knows best, and who he wants to choose. He is the boss and we are behind him and support him. Being strong mentally you have from the start. I needed to be strong from the outset, when I was in Africa.”
Rafa Benitez has preferred to use the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune at centre-back, while Javier Manquillo has made the left-back position in his own in the absence of injured left-footer Paul Dummett.
Newcastle next face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in a match that could prove crucial at the bottom of the Premier League.
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