Matthias Jaissle reveals the real Newcastle United reason behind Sean Steur & Aladji Bamba omission
Sean Steur and, in particular, Aladji Bamba have struggled for minutes since joining Newcastle United.
Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle has explained why summer signings Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur have struggled for regular game time.
The midfield pair joined the Magpies from Monaco and Ajax respectively, with Bamba costing £30million and Steur £23million.
Bamba represented France under-21s during the recent international break but hasn't made it off the bench since, having played just 27 minutes in total since arriving on Tyneside.
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Steur, meanwhile, has been restricted to two brief substitute appearances since the international break, despite impressing on his last start against Hull City. The 18-year-old's introduction during the 3-1 defeat at Everton in the Carabao Cup on Thursday was greeted by sarcastic cheers from the away end, with many supporters questioning why he isn't being used more regularly.
Jaissle insists both players are making good progress but highlighted the competition for places in midfield, which includes Nico Gonzalez, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock, as well as the desire to find stability in the spine of his team.
Matthias Jaissle explains Aladji Bamba & Sean Steur omissions
But when it was suggested that the pair, particularly Bamba, could benefit from minutes with the under-21s, Jaissle indicated that was not something currently under consideration.
“First of all, he was also with the national team,” Jaissle said on Bamba. “That helped, and that helps, for sure, the young lads as well, if they're getting their minutes there.
“He's progressing in the midfield. We have such high competition, especially in the spine in the squad. In the starting XI, or in the XI in general, you are not willing to change a lot, as you want to have a structure. You want to give confidence and stabilisation in the team.
“It's a little bit the same with Sean Steur; we see progress, and he was not aware of the physicality in the Premier League in the beginning, but he's getting there now, and that's a good thing and a good sign, because also he's working hard during every training session.
“We're pleased with him. And let's see if there's also time when the young lads are getting game minutes in the under-21s. But for now, it's not planned.”