Newcastle United won against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship on Saturday evening.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed to The Chronicle why he took off Aleksandar Mitrovic against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening.
The Magpies got the better of Wolves 1-0 away from home at Molineux in the Championship. Mitrovic’s goal in the 44th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides.
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The 22-year-old striker, though, did not come back for the second half, and Benitez has explained why he decided to take off the Serbia international at the break.
“We complained about the penalty that wasn’t given too,” Benitez told The Chronicle. “After the penalty he had a yellow card and was under pressure.
“In the end I am pleased because he got the winning goal because he was working so hard. I took him out because with the pressure of the fans on top of him I think it was important to protect him and the team.
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“I was not thinking about the next game, I was thinking about this one and keeping 11 players on the pitch.
“Also we needed to have a certain type of game in the second half after being 1-0 up we knew they’d be on top and there would be space behind as well.”
Mitrovic has scored four goals and created 13 chances in 16 Championship appearances for Newcastle so far this season.
During the 2015-16 campaign, the Serbian youngster scored nine goals and created 30 chances in 34 Premier League matches for the Magpies.
Newcastle are at the top of the Championship table at the moment with 65 points from 30 matches, just a point clear of second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
Benitez’s side will return to action on Tuesday evening when they take on Norwich City away from home at Carrow Road in the Championship.
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