Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar has revealed his frustration at being benched by Eddie Howe.
Schar started the Magpies’ opening five matches before a concussion picked up during the 2-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona on September 18 ruled him out for three matches.
Malick Thiaw replaced the former Switzerland international that night and because of his outstanding form, he has started all 16 matches since. Schar, meanwhile, has been restricted to three starts.
Having been a regular in the line-up since Eddie Howe’s appointment as head coach in October 2021, Schar admits he has found his situation difficult.
Fabian Schär warms up during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
“Being on the bench has been quite difficult actually,” Schar told Newcastle’s matchday programme ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur game. “It wasn’t an easy situation. I think I did pretty well at the start of the season. Then I had the concussion, out for three games, and I hadn’t done anything wrong or played bad – but it’s very hard to get back in the team.
“It’s very difficult, it was a new situation which has never been the case in the last four years. A lot of things which were new and not easy.
“It’s something I know will happen because I’m getting older, but I don’t want it to happen! I still feel I can bring a lot to the team. I just want to be on the pitch and do the same thing I’ve tried to do over the last seven years and leave my heart on the pitch.”
Fabian Schar during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United. (Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Schar admits he has struggled to hide his frustration, which was on show when he scored in the recent Carabao Cup victory over Spurs.
That said, Schar was keen to point out that he “is not stupid” with Dan Burn and Sven Botman, who is currently sidelined with a back issue, also competing for a place.
“I think I showed my frustration a little bit,” Schar added. “Obviously the gaffer knew I wasn’t happy but I tried to stay calm and just train well. I knew I’d get another chance – it was more from how everything happened
“The concussion, being out for a few games, that was hard to accept how everything actually happened. I’m not stupid, we have a lot of quality in the squad, we’ve bought younger players in. But as long as I can, I know I’ll be able to help the team and can still add something to the team.”
“Then I played in the Carabao Cup [vs Tottenham] and scored, so l always tried to stay positive and contribute. When you’re on the pitch you have to try and deliver and I think I’ve done that.
“Probably, yeah! Obviously in that situation and that game, l knew I had to show what I can do. Not just scoring, but winning and getting a clean sheet probably helped me. I still had to wait another one or two games, but then it was good to be back against Manchester City, play the game, and win.”
