‘I signed Newcastle icon Hatem Ben Arfa as a masterstroke – it was a catastrophe’
There was by no means an in between – Hatem Ben Arfa both delighted or annoyed.
The Frenchman appeared to be probably the greatest gamers in Europe when he helped spearhead Newcastle United to a jaw-dropping fifth positioned end within the 2011-12 Premier League marketing campaign. Ben Arfa contributed 5 objectives and 6 assists, together with his magnificent objective in opposition to Bolton Wanderers which noticed him drive previous 5 gamers, earlier than prodding the ball previous the goalkeeper.
However, hassle appeared to comply with the usually stroppy Frenchman wherever he went, and it wasn’t lengthy till he was shipped out on mortgage to Hull City as a way to get him out of the constructing. The supervisor who thought he might get a tune out of the undoubtedly proficient former French worldwide was Steve Bruce.
READ MORE: ‘I’m a Premier League legend who nearly joined Man Utd – I’d even chosen a home’
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“I had an awful time with Hatem Ben-Arfa,” Bruce mentioned whereas talking on behalf of Gambling Zone, when evaluating the likes of Ben Arfa and Robbie Savage. “I thought it would be a masterstroke to get him at Hull, but it ended up being a disaster for both of us!
“It did not work in any respect. There are completely different features to administration – there are some who’re tough due to their character, and Ben-Arfa was one. Mr. Savage was one, as nicely. Not in a foul, dangerous approach, however he made it tough when he wished to go to Blackburn.
What are your recollections of Hatem Ben Arfa? Let us know within the remark part beneath
(Image: Getty Images)
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“I think the art of management is earning the respect of players, especially these days. The greatest player I ever managed was Christophe Dugarry, a World Cup winner with France. He saved our season at Birmingham, but he was a bit difficult to manage – yet a wonderful footballer.
“I’d chalk it as much as differing personalities. You had the acute with Robbie and Hatem, who thought he was higher than Hull and wished to go issues his approach. Dugarry was completely different. He was simply the very best soccer participant I ever had the privilege to handle. He might have performed for any group. He was that good.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Hull finally reduce his mortgage spell brief in January and the Magpies launched him from his contract a matter of days later. After a robust spell at OGC Nice and three years at Paris Saint-Germain, he grew to become considerably of a journeyman. He has performed for the likes of Stade Rennais, Real Valladolid, Bordeaux and Lille.
He has been a free agent after being launched by the latter within the 2022 summer season switch window.