Newcastle United midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gabriel-Obertan-c14324 is relishing the prospect of facing his former club Bordeaux in the Europa League this Thursday night.
The French winger joined Newcastle from former English champions Manchester United, and is eager to face both his former clubs in the coming weeks.
Newcastle take on Bordeaux in the Europa League this week and will next host Manchester United at the Sports Direct Arena.
Obertan started his professional playing career with Bordeaux as a teenager, and was later scouted by Manchester United. The 23-year old was unable to make an impact at Old Trafford in his two years with the club, and signed for Newcastle in 2011.
The player said that it is always a strange feeling playing against one’s former club, but stressed that he will be 100 per cent focused. The French winger is hoping to start the Europa League fixture against Bordeaux and has promised to play to the best
of his ability. He said:
“It’s always a weird feeling to play against one of your old teams. As for Bordeaux, it has been a long time since I was there. I don’t really know what to expect, but it’ll be great to see the coaches and staff again.”
“It’s also a chance to give game time to all the members of the squad who haven’t been involved in league games. I want to play as much as I can, be efficient in my play, score goals and give assists.”
This season’s outing in the Europa League is the club’s first taste of European football since they achieved promotion back into the English top flight.
Newcastle are currently not living up to expectations that were placed on them following last season’s impressive campaign. The club faces a growing injury list with the likes of Ryan Taylor, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Simpson and others sidelined.
Fabricio Coloccini, Tim Krul and Cheick Tiote were also ruled out, but have now returned to join the squad. Tiote and Coloccini made their return in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup.
Manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew faces a tough week ahead as Newcastle prepare for league games against Manchester United and Sunderland. The return of most of his first team players will however ease his worries.
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