NO- GOU ZONE Toon boss Benitez tells three musketeers Yoan, Tiote and Anita: Forget about leaving here
RAFA BENITEZ has told Toon trio Cheick Tiote, Vurnon Anita and Yoan Gouffran that they will be going nowhere in January.
The Newcastle midfielders are out of contract at the end of the season and are yet to be offered new deals.
But Magpies boss Benitez insists they all remain in his plans as he looks to plot an immediate return to the Premier League.
Anita and Gouffran have been key performers this season as United have charged to the top of the Championship table.
Tiote ( below, congratulating Anita) hasn’t featured since the draw at Aston Villa in September.
But Benitez has no plans to cash in when the transfer window opens in the new year.
He said: “I spoke to o the three players about a month ago. I wanted d them to know where we are and to make sure there wasn’t a problem.
“They are happy, they are training g well, and they know w the situation. But they must continue to perform.
“Each case is different, but they know our idea and we are working together. Maybe something will happen in the future, but selling in January is not something we are considering.” Newcastle have won their last eight league and cup matches and are unbeaten in 10. But their fine form faces a stern test today when they travel to Elland Road to face a resurgent Leeds. Benitez will keep faith with Jonjo Shelvey, despite the England midfielder having an FA charge hanging over him for allegedly racially abusing a Wolves player in September.Septem Shelvey has denie denied the accusation. B Benitez has become a St James’ messiah, d de s p i t e bei ng unable to halt Newcastle’s slide towards relegation l last season. And w while he is desperate for a return to the big time, h he insists that he is enjoying life in the Championship. Benitez said: “For me, it doesn’t matter whether I am working in the Championship, the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A. What is important is having the right environment to coach and improve your players – and I get that here at Newcastle.
“I enjoy this job almost every day – I am only unhappy when we lose. I don’t come in for one day a week and then leave the work on the training ground to my staff.
“I like to work with players individually. I like to see them improve technically and tactically. I like to pass on my experience because I have been in football for many years as a player, a manager and someone who studies football.
“I like to learn and I like to pass on my message. That is what is happening here.
“The aim is to improve my team – and I can see it improving every day.”
Benitez added: “I cannot guarantee we will win or be promoted, but when I work with the players I see a group that is working really well and improving.
“We are at the top of the league – but we can get even better. Some training sessions and matches have been really good, but what we are looking for now is more consistency.”