Aleksandar Mitrovic feeling the pressure at misfiring Newcastle
Steve McClaren says there's too much pressure on misfiring Aleksandar Mitrovic's shoulders.
Mitrovic has missed a series of chances during Newcastle United’s four-game losing streak.
The 21-year-old – who has scored three goals for the relegation-threatened club since his move from Anderlecht last summer – is head coach McClaren’s only fit, recognised striker.
The club is looking to sign a goalscorer in this month’s transfer window, while Papiss Cisse and Emmanuel Riviere are working their way back to fitness.
Mitrovic, in the meantime, is likely to keep his place for tonight’s home Premier League game against Manchester United.
Asked whether he felt he had enough strikers at the start of the campaign, McClaren said: “Papiss has proven that he can score.
“Mitrovic was unknown and needed time to settle, and I think he’s been up and down.
“(Ayoze) Perez can score. We expected Riviere to carry on but he’s been injured.
“Unfortunately, Papiss has been injured as well over various parts. At the present moment we have one recognised striker, which is putting a lot of pressure on him.
“It’s put added pressure on to Mitrovic who is a youngster who is coming into this league for the first time.
“I think he’s doing well, it’s just the end product and the finishing at the moment.”
Asked if Mitrovic was feeling the pressure, McClaren added: “Strikers want to score goals. They’re the worst people in the world when they’re not.
“But Mitro’s working damn hard out there.
“I’d be more worried if we weren’t working, because it’s not just his responsibility. It’s everybody’s responsibility – not just the No 9.”