DEANDRE YEDLIN
Defender expects great things under Benitez
DEANDRE Yedlin feels Rafa Benitez can achieve “great things” with Newcastle United next season in the Premier League.
The US international has proved to be a hit at St James’ Park after leading the Magpies back to the top table of English football at the first time of asking.
Benitez delivered the Sky Bet Championship title as part of the bargain last season and fans and players are now enjoying being classed as a Premier League side.
Speaking about Benitez’s impact at Newcastle, Yedlin told the Chronicle: “I cannot say a bad word about him.
“He is just a great manager and one of the best I have ever played under. He has done great things with this team and can achieve more.
“I know the team, the fans and the city appreciate him.”
There were plenty of fans back at St James’ Park this week as the new kit went on sale at the club shop in the same week the new Premier League fixtures were published.
Newcastle will play Yedlin’s former club Tottenham Hotspur on the first game of the season at St James’ - and the excitement is already building up towards that game.
Life at United seems a far cry from 12 months ago when the Magpies had just dropped out of the Premier League. Yedlin reflected: “Maybe you need to take a step backwards to take two steps forward. That could be the case for Newcastle. “We are now excited for next season. There is nothing better than achieving our goal. “Our main goal was to get back up and we are happy for everybody.” Now Yedlin can look forward to plying his trade against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United next season. He cannot wait to step back on to the big stage. Yedlin added: “It feels great to be a Premier League player again. “It has not eally sank in yet but we are all looking forward to it. We cannot wait.” Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino has had his say on the first game of next season on Tyneside. With the clash bringing back painful memories of the 5-1 win for Newcastle, the former Argentina international said: “I am always positive about the fixtures. “It is true, the Premier League is tough and we start in Newcastle - that will be exciting because it is our first game and then our first game at Wembley is against Chelsea, I am sure the fans will be excited for that as well. “Newcastle is another motivation for us. The way we finished the season before last is not too important now but we will have that in our mind to motivate us and we will try to win. “Next season will be exciting and to start at St James’ Park will be very motivating for us.”