No need to panic

FED: TOON WON’T SINK LIKE SWANS

DON’T ask Federico Fernandez to compare Newcastle’s current plight with his experiences at Swansea last season.

The Argentine defender is still scarred by relegation with his former club.

And he hates to think he’s in for a repeat following his move to St James’ Park.

So much so in fact that anyone who poses the question runs the risk of being shot down.

“I don’t know why you compare Newcastle to Swansea,” he said. “I don’t like this.

“It’s not fair on either team. This is a fresh squad and a different team.

Tough

“Of course no one wants to be involved in two relegations in a row. But at the moment I see no reason for panic.”

The brutal truth is, however, that the Magpies are three points worse off than Swansea were after six league games 12 months ago.

And while the Swans had notched up three wins at the same stage – including two in the Carabao Cup – Newcastle haven’t beaten anyone yet.

Boss Rafa Benitez and his players point to the tough set of fixtures they’ve had against four of last season’s top six in the season’s opening month.

And Fernandez insists the fact they were beaten only 2-1 by Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal suggests Newcastle are not as bad as their league position in the drop zone might suggest.

However, failure to beat Leicester an home today might force some to cast further doubt on their ability to stay up.

Fernandez added: “We’ve played the big teams and now there’s a massive chance for us to take three points and improve our position.

“Of course we’re not happy with results so far but all the games so far have been tight.

“We know we have to improve but there are positives.”

Fernandez worked under Benitez during their days at Napoli and sees the same focused, unflappable man he first came across in Italy.

“Rafa hasn’t changed,” said the 29-year-old, who has been one of the Toon’s better performers so far.

“He has the same ideas and is still very thorough. If anything, there is even more detail from him. He tries to improve us individually and as a team.

“We have a good mentality and we work hard, so now we have to show we can start winning games.”

Benitez, meanwhile, has accepted an FA charge after talking about match referee

Andre Marriner ahead of the Palace game, which is against the rules.