Lazaar: I’ll keep working despite not being wanted

Achraf Lazaar has opened up about his exile at Newcastle United’s Academy.

Lazaar was told to find a new club in the the summer by manager Rafa Benitez.

However, a proposed move to Genoa broke down in August and the defender, signed two years ago from Palermo, is now training and playing with the club’s Under-23 squad.

Lazaar, under contract until 2021, said: “It’s not a good moment for me. I arrived at Newcastle to show what I can do and to improve, but things are going differently. Honestly, I’m very sorry, but I accept this situation.

“I’m training with the second team and I play in the reserve championship. I delivered three assists in the last two games, and the coach and his staff are really helping me. They know it’s not an easy situation for me, and they’re trying to help me.

“Sometimes, I train on my own after the end of training sessions to improve my level. That’s the only thing I can do if I want to improve, because I’m not playing Premier League games.”

Asked about his relationship with Benitez, Lazaar said: “I spoke with my teammates, they say he’s fine. I’m sorry the team is not doing well, especially because a lot of my team-mates would like me to be part of the team.

“I usually speak with them, but the only thing I can do is accept the situation. If this is his choice, I can only respect it.

“He (Benitez) speaks with my agent Roberto De Fanti. I had other expectations when I arrived here, but, as I said, Benitez has made a decision and I respect it. Now it’s up to me. I have to convince him.

“Being out from a manager’s plans is a new situation for me. Other managers used to tell me that I have the qualities to play in a big team, but with Benitez it’s not the same. I will work hard, every day, to be ready for everything.”