Toon haven’t given up on winning title
RAFA Benitez says Newcastle United must prepare properly for the Premier League.
The Magpies’ boss guided his team to promotion at the first time of asking after securing a top-flight place with a 4-1 win over Preston.
A tearful Benitez applauded the fans after they had chanted his name for long periods during the game.
He said: “My feelings when I walked on the pitch were similar to what I have been feeling all year. The fans have been amazing with me, their loyalty and everything it means to being a top team like this, with the city behind you.
“That is why I decided to stay and now I am even happier than before that I made this decision. I am really proud and really pleased.”
When asked about recruitment and the future he said: “Now is the time to enjoy what we have done. I am sure if we do the right things we have to prepare everything to be strong enough for the Premier League. We have to wait and enjoy it, play another two games and see where we are.”
Benitez was also asked in his postgame press conference if he would be here next season.
He responded: “You never know, that is football. I am really pleased to be here and really happy and proud of everything we have achieved.
“Hopefully, we can put in the foundations for something which will be a guarantee for the future.” NEWCASTLE United will be a Premier League side next season – and they could yet go up as Championship title winners too, although it remains a long shot.
The Magpies’ 4-1 victory over Preston moved Rafa Benitez’s men on to 88 points for the season, four behind league leaders Brighton with two rounds of fixtures remaining.
Benitez’s primary goal this season was to secure promotion – something United have achieved with two matches to spare – but the Magpies will not give up on the title until it becomes a mathematical impossibility.
United must claim the minimum of a win and a draw to have any hope of pipping Chris Hughton’s Brighton to the title.
Newcastle travel to South Wales to take on Cardiff City on Friday while Brighton do not host Bristol City until 24 hours later, meaning United can reduce the gap to just one point with a victory.
On the final day of the season – all second-tier games kick off at noon on Sunday, May 7 – Newcastle host mid-table Barnsley while Brighton travel to in-form Aston Villa.
Evidently it is Brighton who remain hot favourites to lift the Championship winners’ trophy, given they require just one win from their final two games to do so - but Newcastle’s run-in on paper appears easier.
What is more, the Magpies’ goal difference of +40 is already five superior to the Seagulls’.
Therefore, should the two sides finish level on points, Newcastle would lift the Championship title on goal difference.
That is because United’s would need to improve further and Brighton’s decrease if the Magpies were to catch the Seagulls points-wise anyway.
If Newcastle win their last two games, even two draws would not be enough to see Brighton lift the title – though one victory would hand former Magpies boss Hughton a second Championship trophy in seven years.
Newcastle United’s remaining fixtures: Cardiff City v Newcastle United – Friday (7.45), Newcastle United v Barnsley – Sunday, May 7 (noon).
Brighton and Hove Albion’s remaining fixtures: Brighton and Hove Albion v Bristol City – Saturday (5.30), Aston Villa v Brighton and Hove Albion – Sunday, May 7 (noon).