Fighting talk from Benitez on his return to the fold
RAFA Benitez has dismissed any suggestion there is any bad feeling at Newcastle United following the club’s disappointing end to the transfer window.
The Spaniard spoke for the first time since deadline day at his prematch press conference ahead of today’s game against Stoke City.
Benitez has now recovered from a hernia operation and has also had plenty of time to reflect on the summer trading period, with many fans feeling his squad was short-handed going into the first half of the season.
However, Benitez suggested he is more than prepared to work with the squad at his disposal despite talk of him being unhappy and some links with West Ham recently.
He told the Chronicle: “I was the first one to fight until the transfer window was finished.
“Now I will be the first one to fight and improve everything and be sure the fans and team are together.
“When I read the comments of fans a lot of them seem to see this team cares.
“This group of players wants to win, perform and do well.
“We have to help them in every way we can.”
Benitez is now focusing carefully on the run of games between now and January as he looks to take a big step to ensuring the Magpies stay afloat in the Premier League.
He added: “As soon as the window closed we knew this was the group of players we would have.
“They know they have to work hard because we can improve them individually or as a team.
“That is the way to have more chances to win the game.”
The mood was notably good around the club’s Benton training complex on the eve of today’s clash with Stoke and, after backto-back wins, Newcastle fans are also looking forward to the clash with the Potters.
Benitez reflected: “I think you have to find the balance between enjoying results and being positive.
“Then there is the balance between confidence and overconfidence for the players.
“That is always the key. It is really important to understand the balance.
“You cannot get too carried away with the highs and you cannot get too carried away with the lows.
“If we can understand that we will be fine.
“The fans have to enjoy the wins but as professionals we must make sure we are not affected by the positives too much or the negatives.
“If everything is fine we will enjoy games.
“We will continue working hard and that is the best way to improve and to continue winning.”