Newcastle United hero Philippe Albert gives his views on Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba; Former Anderlecht star analyses why the first season in England went wrong for Newcastle United duo.

Byline: Lee Ryder

Philippe Albert admits he never believed Newcastle United would be relegated following the arrivals of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba in 2015.

The Belgian legend knows both players well and watched them regularly as a TV pundit at his old club Anderlecht before their big money moves to St James' Park.

Albert made a successful switch to Newcastle in 1994 after starring at the World Cup in the United States 22 years ago.

But while Mitrovic and Mbemba have shown promise on Tyneside, their first season at the club ended in the ignominy of Premier League relegation.

Albert told the Chronicle: "They had quality players but they did a lot of things wrong last season.

"It just goes to show that quality is not enough now - you have to have the right mentality to go with it.

"You have to adapt yourself to the club you are playing for.

"Honestly, when they bought Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba from my old club Anderlecht I thought Newcastle would have a good season.

"At the end of the day being relegated with such players is a crying shame."

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The aftermath of relegation...

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