Jack Colback slams Rafa Benitez’s treatment of him
Jack Colback has always been a figure who divides opinion among the Newcastle faithful.
The former Sunderland man was an important player for Rafa Benitez at the club in the Championship but he has not been utilised at all in the Premier League by the Spaniard this season.
Colback was told he was no longer needed at Newcastle in the summer and was sent to do his training on a regular basis with the club’s Under-23 side.
It’s been a testing time for Colback but on the final day of the January transfer window, he clinched a loan move to Nottingham Forest until the end of the season.
He has since broken silence on his relationship with Rafa Benitez during the recent few months and, as quoted by the Newcastle Chronicle, didn’t hold back.
It’s been difficult. I think there’s ways that things can be managed, and to be honest there’s been no respect whatsoever shown my way, but that’s the game I suppose. I’ve had to keep my head down, I’ve had to work hard for myself, I’ve done that and I’m thankful the manager here at Forest has given me the chance.
The experienced midfielder is not likely to have a future at St James’ Park under Benitez’s current regime and it seems likely that he will seek pastures new after his loan at Forest expires.
I’m not sure [why I wasn’t given respect], I’m not the one who should be answering that – you’ll have to ask the boss back home. But it’s one of them things. I’m big enough not to be too upset about it, I’ve been in the game a long time and seen a lot of things.
I think the disappointing thing is the way it’s been dealt with. I’ve been treated like a number more than a human being.