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Mbemba's Delight At Magpies Bow
Written by Newcastle Utd
Chancel Mbemba spoke to nufc.co.uk after pulling on a Newcastle shirt for the first time on Saturday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Chancel Mbemba was delighted to pull on a Newcastle United shirt for the first time on Saturday against Borussia Monchengladbach, and believes the Magpies can confidence from the friendly, despite a 1-0 defeat.
The 20-year-old defender, signed from Anderlecht earlier this week, was granted permission to play in the warm-up fixture at St. James' Park, even though he is still waiting for a visa, and came off the substitutes' bench for the final 28 minutes.
Deployed at right-back as he continues to bed into his new club, Mbemba showed flashes of class including one outstanding cross, and he told nufc.co.uk after the final whistle: "It was a great day and I was really proud to hear the crowd clapping and shouting my name.
"I was glad to be able to get out onto the pitch and help the team.
"I have only ever played there once before, for Anderlecht, and never since but I am happy to play anywhere the coach and team need me to. I can't tell you how I did though - it is up to the coaches and the fans to tell you that.
"The team played quite well and we managed the first half pretty well. However, in football when you get chances you have to take them and maybe we missed a few of our opportunitites.
"Monchengladbach had one chance and took it. That was the difference and I know we will work hard this week to put that right.
"But we can take confidence from our performance against a team who will be playing in the Champions League.
"The Premier League season is just around the corner and we went out there and played well against a very good side. It has given us confidence to take into next weekend."
And having received a warm welcome from the 21,008 inside St. James' Park, what did Mbemba make of the supporters at his new home?
"I wasn't too surprised because everyone I have spoken to since arriving here has told me what the atmosphere and noise is like when the stadium gets going," continued the DR Congo international.
"This was just a friendly match and obviously wasn't full but hopefully in the first game of the season we will see a full stadium with everyone really behind us, and that will be important to drive us on as a team."