Newcastle defender Isaac Hayden has described his former boss and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as 'detached' and 'cold'.
The 22-year-old progressed through the Gunners ranks before joining Newcastle in a permanent move last summer. Following his move, he took no time to establish himself in Rafa Benítez's side and proved to be a key player for the Magpies in their title-winning campaign.
When talking about his time at the north London club, Hayden reflected: "I was disappointed after the first game against West Brom [a League Cup win in September 2013], I played well, the manager was pleased but I never played central midfield at the club again. It was quite difficult to take. I did talk to the manager but I was only 18, he said, 'be patient and I want you to play centre half.'
"When I first got injured Wenger said 'that's a shame', then I didn't speak to him until I was outside running. Wenger's detached, quite closed. When you're a young player, not constantly in his eye-line, he can be quite cold.
"He watches training, doesn't say much, maybe three, four words in the whole session. I don't have a point to prove to Arsenal. I have a point to [prove to] myself. Deep down, I said to myself, I knew I was good enough to play for them. I wasn't given the opportunity."
