Defender David Rozehnal leaves Newcastle for Italian side Lazio
David Rozehnal was unhappy at being played out of position
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Thursday, 31, Jan 2008 09:07
Newcastle defender David Rozehnal has left St James' to join Italian side Lazio until the end of the season.
The Czech international only joined Newcastle from Paris St Germain last summer for £2.9 million. But he admitted earlier in the month that he was unhappy at being played out of his normal central-defensive position by new manger Kevin Keegan.
"I am bitter. I was looking forward very much to coming to Newcastle after playing at Club Brugge and PSG. Now I am not sure if this looks like a dream spell. I did not expect I would be sitting on the bench," said Rozehnal.
"Once I play as right-back, then left-back. Then in right midfield, or as a defensive midfielder.
"For instance, in the FA Cup fixture against Arsenal the coach wanted me to play in centre midfield like when I played against Bolton, but Enrique injured himself so I was put in defence. I don't like such rotation."
Claudio Capaca and Steven Taylor have been the first choice pairing in central defence since the arrival of Keegan and this has meant Rozehnal has had to play in a number of different positions.
The 27-year-old only made 21 appearances for Newcastle and now leaves Keegan slightly short of players in defence. Although the Newcastle boss will have Abdoulaye Faye back from African Nations duty after Senegal were knocked out, he still may have to buy a replacement for Rozhenal.