Rafa hits back at critics but warns it could get worse
BENITEZ ALSO HINTS AT TRANSFER FRUSTRATION
Chief Sports Writer RAFA Benitez did not hold back in his pre-match press conference for the clash with West Brom at the Hawthorns.
The Toon manager was open and honest about the situation at Newcastle United after the club stumbled to their fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League.
United go into the game against the Baggies in dire need of three points as they sit just above the relegation dogfight.
But Benitez made sure he got the right message out as he tried to rally the troops.
Here’s a look at exactly what he said in response to some stinging criticism in the aftermath of the 3-0 reverse against Watford. “THE fans appreciate that this group of players really care about the shirt and what they are doing.
“No one should forget that on September 1 (following the closure of the transfer window), all of them were saying it was going to be a difficult season.
“Nobody said it would be easy but we are 14th and in a good position.
“I think the majority of fans know the reality. We have a good team but we also have injuries and our squad is not as big as some.
“So we are doing well. Could it be better? Yes, 100% but everyone needs to understand our reality.” “WHAT is our target? What do we want to achieve this season? To stay in the Premier League.” “WE do not know what is going on and what will happen.
“Our fans need to know it could be even worse. If we don’t sign anyone, what can we do?
“We have to stick together and keep working hard until the end of the season.” “I THINK Joselu is doing a lot of things right.
“He is doing a great job for the team and he is making the rest of our team feel more comfortable.
“If you want to sign a striker who’ll score 20 goals, you must pay £40m. If you sign an average striker, it’s £15m, or £10m if they can kick it forward. We didn’t do it. That’s the situation we’re in.
“We must stick together. I still have full confidence in our team.
“Yedlin didn’t have a bad game. He was up against two top-quality players.
“We have to win games as a team.” “THIS group of players can manage if we stay calm and continue in the same way. Our fans know where we are and why we are here. We have had a difficult month. We knew that before.
“We have 14 points and are in a good position.
“Are we happy? No, it could be better – but it could be worse. “If it gets worse, keep on
going.”