Rafael Benitez concedes that Kenedy has been struggling for Newcastle United.
Rafael Benitez has admitted to The Shields Gazette that Kenedy is struggling for Newcastle United at the minute.
The Brazilian was slaughtered by Newcastle fans for his performance in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat by Watford.
It hasn’t been a brilliant first full season for Kenedy at St James’s Park after re-signing on loan last summer, scoring once and setting up one in 18 Premier League outings.
Asked about Kenedy’s form, Benitez said to The Shields Gazette: “I don’t need to make excuses – he knows that he’s not playing well.
“He can play better – he knows that – and the mood in the training sessions is that sometimes he’s trying to do well, but when he makes mistakes its more difficult for him.”
There is good and bad news about Kenedy’s disappointing season.
On one hand, it strengthens the Magpies’ chances of doing a permanent deal this summer, because this Kenedy would get nowhere near the first team at parent club Chelsea.
Then again, do the Tyneside outfit even want him in the long term? Unless he seriously improves then Benitez – whose own future in the North East is up for debate – should consider cutting him loose this summer, should the Spaniard remain in charge.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
