Rafa sets United safety points target
RAFA IS HOPING HIS SIDE MOVE AWAY FROM THE TOP-FLIGHT DROPZONE BY TAKING THREE POINTS OFF SAINTS
RAFA Benitez says Newcastle United are 11 points from their first target of the season – and hopes their aim has been whittled down to single figures by 5.00 tonight. The Toon boss is determined to ease the tension on Tyneside with a win against Southampton at St James’ Park but insists his team is not just focused on getting points from those around it in the relegation slog. Newcastle fans feel the clash with the Saints is a six-pointer - but Benitez is refusing to categorise games. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Benitez said: “I think 40 (points) will be OK but you never know. “People will be asking me if it is a six-pointer. “We took three points from Manchester United in our last game. “We are talking about teams around you, the difference is massive. “We have to be sure to try our best to get three points. “We have to see where we are in April.” Newcastle will face a 21-day gap after the encounter with the southcoast side due to the postponement
You will ask me the same question against Huddersfield. Every game is the most important Rafa Benitez
of next week’s trip to Wembley to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Benitez was also asked whether the clash against Southampton was a must-win fixture, replying: “You will ask me the same question against Huddersfield.
“Every game is the most important. We must keep going.
“We hope we can win, we will try and that is what will happen until the last one. Every game is a final.” Yet United could easily be safe had they held on at Bournemouth and managed to convert those draws into wins against Burnley and Swansea City after the new year. Benitez added: “I am disappointed, I would like to be higher. “We have a good team but a lack of experience. If we had managed games better it could have been different. That is down to experience.
“We are learning but still making mistakes because it is the Premier League and the level is high.
“Against Liverpool we did well for 40 minutes but then conceded.
“Our players are improving and learning - but against players with so much talent it can be down to one mistake.”
Benitez is hungry for three points against the Saints but suggested a draw would not be the end of the world.
He said: “Sometimes just a draw is a good result to stay up, you never know.
“You have to go until the last game of the season with the belief you can win and get three points.
“My message is always clear about the fans.
“They have been fantastic for the team and behind the players.
“For the players, it is the same, just be sure we give something for the fans to support the team.
“It is not normal. You are expecting a couple of teams to be worse than how they are at the moment.
“For us, it is more tension and anxiety but it has to be like this.”