It will be great feat if we avoid drop, says Benitez

RAFA BENITEZ has delivered his latest brutal assessment of the task facing Newcastle this season, claiming it would be a great achievement just to avoid relegation. The Spaniard added to the air of despondency in the wake of a winless start that leaves Newcastle second-bottom of the table with one point from their first five games. He said: ‘To finish 10th last season was a miracle and that raised expectations, but we knew it could be more difficult this time, partly because of the spending power of some of the teams who won promotion. ‘That’s not to say I’m not optimistic but I’m also realistic, and we have to be sure everyone understands the situation.’ The downbeat mood isn’t helped by doubts over Benitez’s future, with little progress made on extending the manager’s contract, which expires in eight months. His relationship with owner Mike Ashley is strained after another summer of under-investment and Benitez added: ‘It’s obvious to everyone that we have to do things another way.’ Ahead of today’s trip to Crystal Palace, Benitez revealed he doesn’t expect referee Andre Marriner to be swayed by winger Wilfried Zaha’s plea for more protection. ‘Someone at the FA has to say to Zaha, “That’s something you don’t need to say”,’ said Benitez.