Algerian national team manager Rabah Madjer has given an interview to Portuguese newspaper Record this week. The chat was divided in two parts: first, a long story about Riyad Mahrez’s situation at Leicester City, and also a shorter column about Islam Slimani’s transfer to Newcastle United.
Speaking about the striker, Madjer was very supportive in his choice to accept being loaned to the Magpies, and claimed that things should work out for him at St James Park.
“He’s a good striker and staying on the bench isn’t good for the head. Slimani is excellent and will do very good things at Newcastle. He may be a talisman,” the manager told Record.
Regarding Slimani’s adaptation to a new club, Madjer claimed that the manager’s job will be crucial: “Benitez has a lot of experience and will be important on a psychological level. Slimani will solve many games and a big part of Newcastle’s problems.”
Signed by Leicester City on a €30m deal in the summer of 2016, Slimani left Portugal on a great form, but never managed to have enough chances since moving to the Premier League. He only scored 13 goals in 46 games for the Foxes, and now tries to improve his stats during this loan at Newcastle United.
