David Rozehnal has admitted he is 'bitter' about how his move to Newcastle has turned out.
Czech international wants to be defensive regular
David Rozehnal has admitted he is 'bitter' about how his move to Newcastle has turned out.
The Czech Republic international defender was signed in a £2.9million deal from Paris St Germain by former manager Sam Allardyce in the summer.
But Rozehnal has admitted he is unhappy about the amount of time he spent on the bench under Allardyce, and how he has now been asked to play out of position by new boss Kevin Keegan.
And with Euro 2008 looming on the horizon, Rozehnal knows he must be in action in his preferred position to secure his place in the Czech side.
Rotation
He told
Pravo: "I am bitter. I was looking forward very much to coming to Newcastle after playing at Club Brugge and PSG.
"Now I am not sure if this looks like a dream spell. I did not expect I would be sitting on the bench.
"Once I play as right-back, then left-back. Then in right midfield, or as a defensive midfielder.
"For instance, in the FA Cup fixture against Arsenal the coach wanted me to play in centre midfield like when I played against Bolton, but Enrique injured himself so I was put in defence. I don't like such rotation."
"I don't want to drop out of it ahead of Euro 2008. Training (sessions) at Newcastle are of a high-quality but game practice is irreplaceable."
Sad
Rozehnal, who has been linked with Lazio and Real Zaragoza, plans to speak with Keegan over his plans for the future, and is determined to fight for his place.
He said: "He promised to speak to us individually. I want to know his ideas and therefore know what I can expect.
"I like competition, it is useful. There are four equally-talented players for my position. I admit that the team composition is up to our coach and don't complain at all.
"But I think we are on the same level, I am not worse than them. Moreover, I showed some good performances at the beginning.
"That is why I am so sad that I don't play as much as I wish to. That is why I don't feel as well as I felt in Brugge or in Paris. I will fight on."
