RAFA’S GOT THE DWIGHT STUFF
Gayle believes Benitez is gifted at getting the best out of his players
DWIGHT GAYLE was supporting the finals of the biggest grassroots football competition in this country – the Playstation Schools’ Cup Festival. Watch the school finals video highlights at www.playstationschoolscup.com DWIGHT GAYLE claims Rafa Benitez has a gift for making players better.
The Newcastle striker says he has improved in his two years working under Benitez, the Spaniard teaching him the importance of working on his overall game.
Gayle says Benitez is very hands-on in training and always available for advice on how to perform better.
“He’s out on the pitch every day, trying to improve every player,” said the striker.
“He’s very approachable if you want to speak to him about any problems you’ve got, anything you want to improve on, what you need to do to get into the team and stuff.
“The fact all the players are so young and looking to progress works perfectly.”
Although Gayle (right with Benitez) is disappointed he managed only six goals last season as Newcastle finished 10th – after getting 23 in his first campaign – he says he has improved.
“I wouldn’t say I have done the best in scoring goals, but I have developed my game in a different way,” said the former Crystal Palace star of his progress under Benitez.
“I’m helping the team defensively a lot more and trying to help out as much as I can. He sees the things I’m good at and tries to get players to help me with those things.
“We have players like Jonjo Shelvey, Mo Diame and Ayoze Perez, who like to play balls in behind and we work on that.
“He improves my game that way and reminds me where I need to be and that I need to do defensive work to help the team.”
Gayle admits the players were nervous when Benitez was linked with West Ham before Manuel Pellegrini got the job and are desperate for him to stay at St James’ Park.
He added: “There was a little bit of concern, but I’m very confident he will stay and be with Newcastle next season. All the players want him to stay. They are so thankful for what he has done for the team and a lot of the players have changed their careers for the better.
“He’s a great tactical manager. All the players get on so well. We haven’t really had any people disrupt the group and that’s the reason we have performed so well.”
Gayle says the Spaniard has made a similar impact on the Toon Army. “Yeah, every week you can see the fans have got a different banner for him.
“They supported him throughout, even when we had a bad run. He’s thankful for that and I’m sure he will repay them.”