Rafa Benitez comes under fire for handling of THIS former Newcastle United loan player

Former Newcastle United flop Islam Slimani’s struggles at St James’s Park have been put down to a lack of trust shown in him by then manager Rafa Benitez.

By Liam Kennedy

Published 5th Nov 2019, 06:45 BST

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal challenges Islam Slimani of Newcastle during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on April 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

According to ex-Algeria manager Rabah Madjer, the frontman’s Monaco recovery – where he’s scored five in eight – is no shock.

He said: “Whether it’s at Leicester, Newcastle, Fenerbahçe, no one trusted him. The national team were right to select him because they know exactly what he could offer.”