Jamaal Lascelles has come in for criticism for his recent performances for Newcastle United.
Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle Unite
Rafa Benitez has defended Jamaal Lascelles’ recent form after the Newcastle United skipper came in for criticism from some supporters following some mistakes over the last few weeks, the Shields Gazette reports.
The Magpies look set to secure automatic-promotion back to the Premier League, and could confirm that fact with a win over Preston North End on Monday night, but it is fair to say that they are somewhat stumbling across the line.
Benitez’s men have not won any of their last three, and that has partially been down to a couple of mistakes from the skipper.
However, Benitez has suggested that it is unfair to single the 23-year-old out for criticism, and seemingly urged Lascelles to not dwell on the mistakes in recent weeks.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
“Some games as a defender when you concede everyone can notice mistakes,” he said, as reported by the Shields Gazette.
“As a striker, you miss a chance, no one remembers for too long. I don’t remember one mistake. As a team we can lose and we can win. I will not be pointing at players all of the time.
“I have to talk with them an we analyse things, then we go to the pitch and we train. So they realise when they have made mistakes, and if they do they are improving.”
In many ways, the way that the fans have been fairly tough on the squad recently will probably stand them in good stead when they make their probable return to the top flight.
Benitez’s men will be under no illusions that, despite successfully achieving their goals for the campaign, there is still plenty of work to be done, and the Magpies squad would be mistaken for thinking that they are already ready to re-establish themselves in the top flight.
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