Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diamé has admitted that he must “give more” to Newcastle United than he has been, and that manager Rafa Benítez is expecting a higher contribution from the Senegalese international.
Diamé, who dropped down a division to play for Newcastle United in the summer, spoke to the club’s official website in an interview where he outlined his personal aims for the season ahead.
The 29-year-old spoke of his desire to help his country reach the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, but first and foremost he wants to get Newcastle United back into the Premier League.
Diamé scored the winning goal in last season’s Championship Play-Off final against Sheffield Wednesday to bring top flight football back to Hull City, but took the opportunity to link up with Benítez at St. James’ Park back in the Championship this year.
The midfield powerhouse has had a slower start to life at Newcastle than he, and most fans, would have hoped for, but has certainly shown what he can do with impressive performances at Bristol City and Derby County.
But, despite coming close several times, he is yet to find the net thus far for the Magpies.
I’m waiting for that, but I’m working hard for the team.
I’m working hard defensively in my job but now I need to improve offensively and give more for this team.
I’m waiting for this first goal, and more assists.
When Diame recalled his summer move to Newcastle United, the midfielder was honest enough to admit that he hasn’t met the expectations of Benítez so far.
When Rafa Benítez called me, I think he called me for more than what I’m giving at the moment.
As I said, I’m still working hard and I think that’s why I’m still in the team but I need to give more offensively.
The midfielder also played for his country in a 2-0 win against Cape Verde Islands on Saturday. That result put Senegal top of Group D in the African qualifiers and provided a huge boost to their chances of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.
It was a home game for us so it was important to win in front of our fans and in front of our people. We were happy.
It’s a massive target for us to be at the World Cup in Russia. Of course we’re looking for this so we’re going to try to work well and do everything to be there.
It’s always better to travel after you win a game and I came back to training on (Tuesday) morning. I feel okay now and I’ve got all week to be ready for the next game.
But now that the international break is over, Diamé knows that his and his Newcastle teammates’ attention must turn to this Saturday’s clash with the impressive Brentford at St. James’ Park.
The Bees sit just four points behind Newcastle in 7th in the Championship table, so a good result will come as a big bonus for the Magpies this weekend.
We (the players) talk about the games we’ve had with our countries – but we need to get to work and get ready for this important game at home against Brentford.
We need to keep going. We’re working hard, the manager is doing things well, and we need to stay focused.
It is important in this league to win all of the home games – even draws can be bad results – so we need to win at home.
