Newcastle midfielder Mohamed Diame has said a talk with manager Rafa Benitez helped to ease his concerns over his lack of goals and assists since his switch from Hull City in the summer.
The 29 year old had not scored for the Magpies until a brace in the 6-0 win over Preston in EFL Cup on Tuesday, and the Senegalese international told the club’s official website that Rafa had told him to persevere and he would get his just rewards
“When you’re a football player and you’re playing forward, you know you need to score goals or at least give assists, so of course mentally, it’s tough, it’s hard. But you need to keep going, keep working, and that’s what the manager told me. The most important thing is to keep getting the chances, and the goals will come. Tonight, I’ve scored two so I’m happy.”
Diame scored nine league goals in the Championship for Hull City last season, and also provided four assists, but he has found things tough going since his arrival on Tyneside.
He was replaced in the team by Ayoze Perez for the league match against Ipswich Town at the weekend, and with Spaniard scoring against Preston as well as putting away two against the Tractor Boys at the weekend, Diame has at least matched Perez’s effort by his performance at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
