WAS MITRO WHILE AT MAGPIES?
SERBIAN STAR ON FIRE AT FULHAM – BUT LEE RYDER REVEALS STRIKER GOT FAIR CRACK OF WHIP AT TOON
ALEKSANDAR Mitrovic is banging the goals in for Fulham after making a success of his January loan switch to Craven Cottage.
The Serbian has grabbed the headlines by netting five goals in four games for the Londoners, a double against Sheffield United last night ensuring his World Cup bid remains on track.
This has meant some observers have come to the conclusion Newcastle’s struggles at times this season are because of Mitrovic’s absence from the first-team picture.
The truth, though, is Rafa Benitez DID offer Mitrovic the chance to be a success on Tyneside this season after simply asking him to show in training sessions he was up to the task of leading the line.
Benitez also used a GPS system in training to keep a close eye on sprints and distance covered on the pitch along with headers, aerial challenges and tackles.
Even goals netted in small-sided games were taken into account but Mitrovic’s training performances were not better than Dwight Gayle, Joselu or Ayoze Perez, meaning Benitez kept faith with those who were delivering Monday-Friday. Mitrovic is excelling in the Championship this season but that was not the case last term when he played in 25 of the 46 games, starting 11 times, but netted just four goals in 1,121 minutes of second-flight action.
This season his case was not helped after he landed a suspension for a clash with Manuel Lanzini of West Ham, meaning Benitez could not rely on Mitrovic even if he had wanted to until October after he picked up a three-game ban.
It was then Mitrovic was challenged to up his game for the Magpies but was unable to get into the starting XI, or some match day squads, for the first run of Premier League games. Mitrovic’s path to the first team was still open going into December but a back injury ruled him out of eight matches before he went public on his desire to leave. Mitrovic said: “I persistently waited for the chance over the past months. “I am sorry after all, I loved Newcastle - but it is time for me to look more at myself, to find the best solution for my career. “I tried to be honest with myself and my team-mates at every training and match. The fact I did not get a chance is simply not up to me. Everyone knows I was left in the background. “I have never felt better, I am physically in flawless form, I cannot wait to play.
“The most important thing is to find a club and finally have a chance on the field.”
Newcastle’s coaching staff will insist he was offered an opportunity to fight for his place.
It is understood Benitez asked every one of his back-room team whether they felt his training performances warranted his selection ahead of others and the verdict was unanimous- with all of them feeling he had to improve his input at Benton.
What happens next for Mitrovic remains to be seen with Fulham not having a buyout clause to take him to Craven Cottage permanently but they are surely in the box seat to sign the Serbian providing they secure promotion.
Any offer above £15million would be enough to tempt Benitez to sell the player and if the former Real Madrid boss stays at St James’ Park it will surely signal the end of Mitrovic’s stint on Tyneside.
The fact I did not get a chance is not up to me. Everyone knows I was left in the background Aleksandar Mitrovic