Rafa: It’s Crystal clear to me why we’re struggling
‘WE NEED KIND OF QUALITY PALACE HAVE’
RAFA Benitez insists Newcastle United are “missing” quality in certain positions and must invest during the January transfer window if they are to arrest their alarming slide down the table.
The Magpies succumbed to an eighth defeat in nine matches with a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday and have won just once in 13 games.
United’s defeat in north London, combined with positive results for some of their relegation rivals, saw Newcastle slip into the bottom three just a week before Christmas.
Newcastle had opportunities to score at the Emirates but failed to take them, whereas Crystal Palace recorded an impressive 3-0 victory at Leicester City.
That is something Benitez believes was largely down to the expensive strikeforce they can boast which includes Wilfried Zaha, Christian Benteke and former Magpies winger Andros Townsend.
Benitez said: “We are where we are.
“We have to manage the situation the best way possible, and the best way possible for me is to stay calm, keep working hard and try to get a result.
“If we get to January and we can add some players to give a lift to the rest of the team we have to do it.
“We knew we were missing in some positions and we have seen over the whole season what has happened. In some positions, we need competition, we have to do it.
“If you analyse some of the teams at the bottom of the table you see the cost of the players they have.
“For example, look at Crystal Palace. Look at the four players they have up front and tell me how much they cost now.
“It is so simple when you look at things like that.”
Though Benitez (below) accepts the mid-season window is hard to navigate, he stresses United’s survival hopes could depend upon the business they do next month.
“January is always difficult but we have to try to do the best for the team,” the Spaniard added.
“I wanted to get to 20 points. I think it will be difficult if we do not start winning games but still I have confidence that we can do it.
“Every game for us is important.”
Benitez added: “We need to add what we need in terms of experience and quality to ensure we improve the balance of the team. Then we will be as competitive as we are now but maybe with more experience and more quality you will have more chances to win games.” Mesut Ozil’s exquisite first-half volley was the difference between the two sides at the Emirates, but Newcastle had chances of their own after the break.
However, they failed to take any of them and another defeat followed, something which Benitez admits will only dent his players’ confidence further.
He continued: “We are doing a lot of different things in training sessions and watching a lot of videos to accentuate the positives. “If the two deflections, or the chance from Ayoze Perez, go in then the players will get a lift. “Do you think when you do not win a few games in a row, everything will feel the same? No. It is a problem and the lack of experience means it is even worse. “Yet I was really pleased with the reaction of the players. It was very positive.”
We need to add what we need in terms of experience and quality to... improve balance of the team Rafa Benitez