Ex-manager Steve McClaren has had his say on why Aleksandar Mitrovic is finding success out on loan in the Championship at Fulham.
Mitro has been banging in the goals for the Cottagers with seven goals in nine appearances since his loan move in January. The former Magpies boss believes that the 23-year-old is more trusted by Slavisa Jokanovic than by Rafa. He told Sky Sports (quotes via the Chronicle):
‘He came in as a young boy at Newcastle, he needs to be loved, needs to be believed in, trusted. I think Jokanovic, being Serbian, I think they`ve got that connection and once you get the best out of him, he`s not only a good player outside the box, bringing other players into it, he scores goals.’
The Twitter reaction to our former manager`s words weren`t all that kind, but some did agree with him:
Nope he just needs to learn instructions. Maybe thats the difference between being a top class coach/manager and being…well you steve.
? Craig Welsh (@CraigWe18996385) 20 March 2018
Said it for a while he doesn`t suit our style we play a lot through the middle
? mark barrett (@markbarrett4) 21 March 2018
For once I agree with Mclaren.
? David HUDDART (@DavidHUDDART1) 21 March 2018
he is loved by the #nufc fans, unfortunately his lazy performances is what cost him his place in the team
? toonidd (@toonidd) 20 March 2018
Steve mclaren would have had us relegated by now so it`s probably best he keeps his advice to himself
? nufcmark (@barkmutterworth) 20 March 2018
That’ll be why he rattled the goals in when you were manager then?
? Chris Forster (@chrisforster191) 21 March 2018
A Ha ha ha ha what a wally.
? James Douglas#NUFC (@armanisummecode) 20 March 2018
Steve McClaren giving Rafa advice on football is like Flipper giving Lewis Hamilton advice on driving cars. #nufc
? DeKuip02 #FBPE (@DeKuip02) 21 March 2018
Being promoted to PL perhaps?
? Sheila Hood (@nosyparker1) 20 March 2018
Verdict:
There is an element of truth to what McClaren is saying, but nothing more than that. The Serbian was down the pecking order at St James` Park, and was clearly not as highly rated by the gaffer as the other forward`s in our squad.
The fact that he is having more success in the Championship is not that surprising. He has dropped down a division, and shown himself capable of scoring regularly.
No matter his performances though, it doe seem clear that he will be moved on in the summer if a buyer can be found, with the Chronicle`s Mark Douglas reporting he will be one of the first out of the door, alongside Jack Colback.