‘Quite complicated’ - Allan Saint-Maximin takes pop at Newcastle United tactics
Allan Saint-Maximin is enjoying a resurgence at RC Lens and has spoken about his time at Newcastle United.
Allan Saint-Maximin has claimed Newcastle United’s tactics did not let him fulfil his Premier League potential.
The French winger is somewhat of a cult hero on Tyneside for his four-year spell in black-and-white stripes. During the final days of Mike Ashley’s apathetic reign, Saint-Maximin offered hope when all ambition was lost.
The bulk of his time at Newcastle was under Steve Bruce’s spell as manager. Saint-Maximin paid tribute to the 65-year-old following his sacking in October 2021.
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Allan Saint-Maximin rejuvenated
Partly due to fitness struggles, the winger became somewhat of a bit-part player once Eddie Howe took charge. He made just 12 Premier League stats in his final campaign at Newcastle before joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.
Since leaving, Saint-Maximin has become a footballing journeyman, with spells in Turkey and Mexico following his Saudi Arabian stint. The former Toon ace has found a home at Lens and is thriving in a central role, with two goals and three assists across eight league games.
Allan Saint-Maximin pop at Newcastle United tactics
Speaking to French outlet Lensois, Saint-Maximin suggested the tactics at Newcastle held him back. The 29-year-old did not confirm whether he meant under Bruce’s or Howe’s managerial reign.
“When I was at Newcastle, facing very deep-lying defences, it was quite complicated,” Saint-Maximin said. “So the coach would make me start from very deep, asking me to try and dribble past everyone.
“Here, compared to what's asked of me at Lens, it's not the same way of playing at all, the instructions are completely different, and I really try to adapt to what the coach asks of me, to what the game demands, to try and help my team win matches when I'm on the pitch. I think that's something I've managed to do throughout my career.”
‘I’m a team player’ - Allan Saint-Maximin
On being a team player, Saint-Maximin added: “I'm a team player, even if sometimes people prioritise dribbling and think that's all I think about, but I know very well what I'm doing, and that's reflected in what I've been able to demonstrate on the pitch since I arrived at Lens.
“I see a lot of messages circulating saying that I'm more of a team player, but that's always been my game. I try to do what the game asks of me and also what the coach asks of me.”
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