 NEWCASTLE United’s Spanish flop Xisco has admitted his move to England has been a failure as he struggles to adapt to the Premier League following a controversial summer transfer from Deportivo La Coruña. The signing of the Spanish Under-21 international by executive director (football) Dennis Wise on transfer deadline day in August is believed to have been the spark which ignited former manager Kevin Keegan’s fury and prompted him to quit the club in protest at his lack of complete control over transfer policy. Although managing director Derek Llambias has since insisted the 22-year-old was not signed to play in the first team this season, that was not how the deal was presented six months ago and there is little doubt the young forward’s move to Tyneside has been a disaster. However, Xisco – who has made just seven first-team appearances for the Magpies this season – is not ready to admit defeat as he vowed to transform his United career, after suggesting that he is finally coming to terms which his new surroundings. “Everybody told me this change [of leagues] would be beneficial to me, but, as I almost never play, I haven’t been able to find out,” said Xisco, who has been heavily linked with a return to La Liga ever since Keegan’s departure. “But I have experienced worse situations. No pain, no gain. I believe I will succeed in England. Besides, you learn a lot from such a situation.” The United hierarchy’s defence of the Xisco (pictured right) deal as “one for the future” is weakened by the fact he only played in his first reserve game last week. The striker scored twice against Wigan Athletic, but also picked up an injury to add to his sense of frustration at St James’s Park. He said: “I have broken my big toe and I’m out for four weeks. My injury is a blow because the manager started to count on me.” Whether Xisco gets anywhere near the first team on his return from injury – he is expected to be sidelined for another three weeks – remains to be seen. Although he has frequently been on the bench in recent weeks, he could face competition from Obafemi Martins, Andy Carroll, Michael Owen, Mark Viduka, Peter Løvenkrands, Shola Ameobi and a fit-again Alan Smith to even earn a place in the squad when he returns to full training. That is in stark contrast to the experience of another former Deportivo star, Fabricio Coloccini, who has been the only outfield player to feature in every game this season following his £10m switch from La Liga in the summer. The Argentina international has had his own problems adjusting to the pace and power of the Premier League, but the 27-year-old has shown a commendable desire to make the most of the experience at St James’s Park. Although Coloccini has admitted he would be tempted by a return to Spain one day, he is determined to be a success at Newcastle as he looks to help the Magpies pull away from relegation danger. He said: “I’d be delighted to return [to Deportivo] one day. At the moment I’m experiencing a similar situation as the one that occurred last season with Depor – I’m playing every game, which is important. “But we have to move outside of the bottom of the table as quickly as possible. This is a new experience to me and I’m at a great club. “Besides, I’m learning English, which I’m enjoying. Obviously this (the changes of coaches) is never a good thing, but we as players have to cope with it.” | 
Article
