Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has sympathy with the problems at former club Newcastle United.

Rafa Benitez's team were criticised for playing defensively at home to Chelsea last weekend.

Mitrovic told the Daily Mail: "Benitez plays defence and counter-attack. I tried to give my best but it wasn't me.

"I was just running and getting in the team shape. He told me what he wanted and I tried but I am 90 kilos and if I run so much defensively I have no power left when I am in the box. He knew I couldn't play in that style and I felt it too.

"Defensively he was one of the best and you can see that when they play, but personally I like to be close to the opponents' box. I need crosses and service. But Benitez is a great person and in the end I shook his hand.

"Newcastle is a big club but they have problems with the owner. Everyone knows Mike Ashley. They have taken large steps forward but also to go back. I do wish them success."