NUFC fans react following Rafa Benitez's bemusing comments about Joselu today
Despite fans losing patience following his dire display on Saturday, Rafa Benitez has stated that NUFC striker Joselu is 'doing a great job for the team', yet admitting in the same breath that £10-£15m only gets you an average striker - a statement that will do little for the confidence of £5m man Joselu.
Now, Rafa's first comment is surely only him trying to preserve any confidence that still resides within the misfiring Spanish striker, however his second comment on what you have to pay for an 'average striker' will only kick Joselu while he's down?
Here's what he had to say in today's pre-match presser when asked about Joselu and the striker situation at Newcastle:
"I think he is doing a lot of things right. He is doing a great job for the team & he is making the rest of our team feel more comfortable"
"If you want to sign a striker who'll score 20 goals, you must pay £40m. If you sign an average striker, it's £15m, or £10m if they can kick it forward. We didn't do it.
"That's the situation we're in. We must stick together. I still have full confidence in our team"
Joselu did ok in his first few games at NUFC, but even Rafa must see how much he has struggled in recent weeks.
I don't expect him to slate Joselu - that would do nothing for his wilting confidence levels - but you can see why his comments here have got several NUFC fans' backs up.
Here's some responses from NUFC fans to him saying Joselu is doing a 'great job' for the team:
https://twitter.com/BlackWhiteBarmy/status/935154566148100097
A few have also had something to say on his second lot of comments, with him saying that £10/15m only gets you an 'average' striker appearing to say very little about £5m-man, Joselu!
https://twitter.com/ADMusgrove/status/935144534127861760
It's hard to disagree with this, but it does mean that Benitez's comments have been a little contradictory today - supporting Joselu in one breath, yet throwing a subtle dig at him the next?
Let us know your thoughts folks. Some very mixed comments surrounding Joselu and the striker situation here..
