Newcastle United's Wijnaldum left confused by half-time substitution

Wijnaldum was replaced by Jack Colback at Stamford Bridge, where Steve McClaren’s relegation-threatened side were hammered 5-1.

The club’s leading scorer has performed better at St Jame’s Park this season, with all his nine goals having come on home turf.

Asked if his substitution was a “tactical” measure, midfielder Wijnaldum said: “I don’t know, this is something you must ask the manager.

“I think it’s his job to answer this question, and not mine.”

The Chelsea result saw the club drop into the Premier League’s relegation zone ahead of an 18-day break between fixtures.

Newcastle conceded three goals inside the first 17 minutes.

Wijnaldum said: “I think we didn’t start well and they scored three in I don’t know how many minutes. Then it didn’t seem possible to win.”

Wijnaldum, one of the few players prepared to talk about the match, refused to divulge what McClaren told his players after the final whistle.

Asked what was said in the dressing room after the game, he added: “Yeah, he said something, but I keep it between me and him.”