RAFA SAYS HE IS BEST MAN FOR JOB

RAFA BENITEZ insists he does not fear the sack despite Newcastle’s disastrous start to the season.

The struggling Magpies face Brighton at St James’ Park today having lost all four home games this term.

They are without a win since May and have suffered defeats in 11 of their last 14 games.

But ahead of a game he believes can launch the Toon’s campaign, Benitez predicted that Newcastle will win this weekend and will stay up – and he’s the man best equipped to ensure that happens.

“I don’t fear the sack,” he said. “I don’t think that. Is it a difficult situation? Yes, because you are at the bottom of the table.

“Something we were not expecting? No, it could be. You see the fixtures and the level of other teams and knew we could be there more or less.

“Will it be more difficult than last year? Yes, but we are still confident because the players are training really well. We have to win one game and it will be a lift for everyone and we will beat Brighton. I am optimistic.”

Anger

Despite becoming the first Newcastle boss to lose four home games from the start of the season, Benitez has largely escaped blame from the Toon Army. Their anger is directed at owner Mike Ashley for a lack of investment in the summer.

Benitez is adamant that, given the circumstances he has faced, no-one could have done a better job. “I think each one is different,” he added, “But you have to consider when I came here, what happened, when I decided to stay, what happened when I stayed, what happened and then what’s happening now. “We will do well and we will finish... Well, we will stay in the Premier League. I will not say what position.