Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic believes that he was not tailor-made for Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United, but insisted that the duo have got nothing personal against each other.
Mitrovic struggled to justify his £13m price-tag at St James’ Park under Benitez after managing to score just 14 goals in 65 league games spread out across the Championship and Premier League for the Magpies.
| Season | Position |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 14th |
| 2023–24 | 9th |
| 2022–23 | 14th |
| 2021–22 | 7th |
| 2020–21 | 6th |
| Season | Position |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 16th |
| 2023–24 | 14th |
| 2022–23 | 13th |
| 2021–22 | 10th |
| 2020–21 | 13th |
The Serbian secured a loan move to Fulham last season and powered Slavisa Jokanovic’s men to securing promotion to the Premier League, courtesy of a playoff win over Aston Villa, with his 12 goals from 20 appearances.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a similar start during his return to the top flight and is Fulham’s top-scorer with five goals already this season, while his former club Newcastle have managed just one more overall so far in their league campaign.
Mitrovic thinks that he was not the ideal striker for Benitez at Newcastle and insisted that they do not have anything against each other despite his lacklustre performance for the Magpies.
"We just didn't suit each other”, Mitrovic told the BBC.
“I didn't suit his tactics and I didn't really feel comfortable to play, so he couldn't get the best out of me.
"But it is nothing personal – just business.
"We had a good relationship and he is a good guy.
"Defensively he is one of the best managers that I have worked with”, he added.
Fulham dropped down to the relegation zone with their loss to Cardiff City last week and will next face high-flying Bournemouth at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
| Season | Position |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 9th (Championship) |
| 2023–24 | 5th (Championship — lost in play‑off semi‑finals) |
| 2022–23 | 9th (Championship) |
| 2021–22 | 10th (Championship) |
| 2020–21 | 19th (Premier League) |
