Rafa Benitez reveals Ayoze Perez's reaction to criticism at Newcastle

Ayoze Perez has been hurt by the criticism that has come his way this season, according to Rafa Benitez.
Ayoze Perez.Ayoze Perez.
Ayoze Perez.

Perez scored in last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The strike was Perez’s second goal of the season.

Perez’s form has again come under scrutiny this season, and the forward – who is on social media – is aware of the criticism from some supporters.

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And the 25-year-old put his fingers in his ears when he celebrated his goal against Wolves.

Asked if he was hurt by it, United manager Benitez said: “Maybe he was not very happy, but after he realised that he has to carry on.

“The players are clever enough, and they know their reaction, so they know what they have to do.”

Benitez, for his part, is happy with the job Perez, his No 10, is doing for the team.

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“I think the fans, when they talk about strikers, remember Alan Shearer and all his goals,” said Benitez.

“At the same time in a team that cannot create as many chances, they have to work, and Ayoze is working hard for the team.

“I don’t say he’s always perfect, but if you analyse what we have, sometimes he’s doing a job for the team and helping the team to get points.

“Obviously, if he scored goals and goals and goals, then it would be easier, but if you don’t create so many chances, then it’s not as easy, and they have to do a job and at the same time, be there.

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“He had some chances and he missed some chances, but still he carried on and I told him, and a lot of the others, that if you miss a chance, what can you do to change the situation?

“You have to try again. You can’t hide, because then you can’t change the situation. If you make a bad cross, then try again. If you do three bad in a row, how can you change that? With another one. It’s simple. Ayoze has to carry on getting in the right positions and doing a job for the team.

“I prefer it if a player gives everything for the team for 70 minutes, then after 70 minutes change him and bring another one on.”