Wednesday 29 October 2014 11:38, UK
Remy Cabella acknowledges that he has to offer more to the Newcastle United cause if he is to nail down a regular role.
The 24-year-old midfielder was taken to St James’ Park over the summer following a protracted chase.
He penned a six-year contract upon his arrival and was expected to help fill the creative void created by the departure of his fellow France international Yohan Cabaye to Paris St Germain in January.
Cabella has struggled to adjust to the demands of the Premier League, though, with an attacking spark sadly lacking.
He has been dropped to the bench by Alan Pardew in recent weeks, as he awaits his first goal in English football, but was able to provide his first assist in Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur and hopes he will soon be back to his best and meeting the demands of his manager.
Cabella told L’Equipe: “Not being in the starting XI against Tottenham and for three matches now was not a sanction. It was logical.
“The manager played me in the starting XI during the first two months and I didn’t score or assist.
“Putting me on the bench and not even playing at Swansea hit my pride. But I didn’t give up, I worked even harder.
“He (Pardew) trusted me to play the second half against Tottenham. I got my first assist, which is good for trust.
“Alan Pardew has spoken to me a lot. He has made things clear. He tells me when I am on the bench if things are good or not.
“He wants me to be decisive and score goals. I haven’t done that so far. That’s why I haven’t been playing a lot.
“Now I am only thinking about scoring. But I don’t feel any pressure, that would be pointless. I am just here to play football.
“I am having so much fun in England. It is a new challenge in a new league, so of course I need some time to adapt.
“I was surprised by the pace and intensity. You have to adapt, it is all new. That is only logical.”
