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RAFA Benitez is hoping talk of any unrest can be put on hold for 90 minutes when West Ham United come to St James’ Park.

The build-up to the game against Slaven Bilic’s side has been saturated by reports of conflict behind the scenes at Newcastle United, leading pundit Graeme Souness going as far as to suggest Benitez could well walk away from his job soon.

The Spaniard cut a composed figure in front of the media glare at the club’s training ground yesterday but insists he is focused on nothing but beating West Ham.

He told the Chronicle: “It is not about what anybody has to say off the field - if you love your team and city and want to see your team in the Premier League then you have to be sure to give everything and support the team for the 90 minutes.

“After that we can talk, criticise or say whatever we have to say about team selection and signings.

“During the games the team needs the support of the fans because it is the best way forward.

“The only thing we can do is concentrate on our strengths.

“One of our strengths last season has been our fans home and away.

“They help the team and make the difference.

“Last year they made a difference and if we needed them last year then this year is even more important.”

Benitez insisted he was not making any special preparations for a game which has been billed by some as a must-win fixture.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss added: “Every game will be really important.

“I can understand people who say this is more important than any of the others.

“The press and some fans will say it is bigger because we have not won yet and it is really important for me.

“Of course, it will be fantastic if we can get three points and we can go into the international break with smiles on our faces.”

Benitez has made changes for this afternoon’s clash and after naming his squad issued a fresh message to his players.

He said: “My responsibility is to make sure we will have the squad and the team will be better.

“We have to be consistent in the way we approach every training session and every game.

“We have to work harder and we have to work better.

“Eventually we will all be better. I am convinced we will improve in the future.

“If you are winning it is easy for me to send the message out.

“To win you need to be confident and transmit the right message. Our team will improve and so will our players.

“At the moment some of them don’t know much about the Premier League.

“Some were fine in the Championship but they are now having to prove the same things in the Premier League and that