IF WE WIN... ILOSE!
Victory over Swansea will give Newcastle breathing space, but Benitez fears his Toon board will then become too complacent
RAFA BENITEZ has warned Newcastle that they have to stay “professional” – and sign a raft of reinforcements even if they beat Swansea today.
The United boss is still battling to improve his squad with loan signings, including Kenedy from Chelsea, but has made no progress in the last week.
A win against Premier League basement club Swansea could put Newcastle nine points clear of their drop-zone rivals.
But with only five points splitting third-bottom and Watford in 10th, Benitez has warned the Toon board there can be no complacency in the second half of the season
Owner Mike Ashley has yet to give the go-ahead for signings, and spending big money seems out of the question with a potential takeover of the club still dragging on.
Benitez said: “I want to do the best for the team.
“We have to play against Swansea in a crucial game, a massive game. We are clever enough to understand the difference is very small in points. There are only a few points between six teams so two games can change everything. We have to do a professional analysis of the squad and we know, whatever happens, we will still be missing something in certain positions.”
Asked if it would be a gamble not to sign anyone, during the January transfer window, Benitez said: “We have to think we will do something before January 31.
“I have made it clear we need some help.
“We need to strengthen certain positions. We still have some weeks to go and have to keep working and try to do our best.”
Asked if the takeover was a delaying factor, Beintez added: “I have made clear what we have to do now, without thinking about what may happen in the future.
“For me it is obvious. He (Mike Ashley) knows he has to improve the team so that we have the quality to stay in Premier League.”
Benitez is positive about recent performances, including a haul of seven points from the matches over Christmas and New Year. And the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss has tipped Toon skipper Jamaal Lascelles to threaten the England squad for the World Cup if he maintains his form.
Benitez, whose team have won three and drawn one of their last five matches, losing only to Premier League leaders Manchester City, said: “He’s not in the squad at the moment but, if they have a couple of problems, maybe he could be make it.
“He improves because he’s always listening to the advice you give him.
“He has a great attitude and he is working on his leadership as a captain.
“In terms of mentality and character, he is someone who is going in the right direction and that is the main thing for the club because you don’t have too many centre-backs around with this presence and this character.
“If he continues learning things, I think he can develop into an important player in England.”