I trust Rafa and want to stay as Toon’s No.9, says Slimani
ISLAM SLIMANI is open to making his move to Newcastle permanent in the summer.
The striker says he left Leicester on loan to work with Rafa Benitez because he “trusts” him.
Slimani (below) has now set a target of firing Newcastle to safety and then negotiating a club transfer recordbusting switch – and filling the club’s iconic No.9 shirt.
The Algeria star is battling a minor injury to be fit to make his debut for the visit of Manchester United tomorrow.
He said: “The big difference is that he trusts me and when you have the trust of your coach that’s very important.
“They trusted me at Leicester – it’s not that I wasn’t trusted, I started well, but then I was dogged by bad health and injuries.
“I’m just on loan at the minute, but if I could stay here I’d be very happy. So let’s see how it goes.
“Could I be the No.9? That’s what I feel the most comfortable in, so why not? There’s no star here, we’re a group who are gelling and our aim is to do best for the team.”
The 29-year-old wants to finally prove himself in the Premier League after his £30million move to City and a stuttering start. He added: “I hope I can show what I’m capable of.
“At Leicester I had a good time there and a good season, but it was always about injuries and getting injured but now it’s about Newcastle.
“I’ve worked hard all week and the aim is to give 100 per cent every match. Newcastle’s a big club and it’s a good choice.
“A lot of clubs got in touch, but I’m pretty sure I made the right choice. I’m here to support the team and have a good second half to the season.”
Slimani has been speaking to fellow Algerian Riyad Mahrez, who before returning yesterday had not trained with Leicester since a proposed move to Manchester City collapsed.
He said: “He’s my friend before being another player or team-mate so what we say is personal – confidential, not football.”
Benitez is likely to again play stifling tactics to keep Newcastle in the game against Jose Mourinho’s men.
But he brushed off critics, saying: “What would I be scared of? Why would I be scared to do it again? “I’ve seen other teams with the No.9 back on the penalty spot. It depends on the pundit and how they analyse.
“We’re not a defensive team – we are a team that has to defend.”