All positive in Pinatar after Toon workout
RAFA Benitez hopes Newcastle United will benefit from their 135-minute workout in San Pedro del Pinatar,
The Magpies came off the pitch feeling a little bit disappointed after dominating their friendly game with Royal Antwerp on a day in which they created more than a dozen good chances but ended up with a 1-1 draw.
After the game, Benitez said: “I think it was fine.
“The idea was to get minutes under their belts and create some chances.
“It was positive for us, they did not create too much and we picked up no injuries. Some of them needed to play 90 minutes.
“Some played 45 but a lot of them had 90 minutes so it was good and we will see if it can help before the end of the season.”
Benitez also believes it had been a great week for United after their four-day stay at the La Finca Golf Resort.
He added: “In terms of the training sessions, they were fine.
“In terms of the relationship between the players spending time together, that was also positive.
“When you play these kind of games you cannot expect everybody to be running at full pace.
“They were competing and doing well. There were some bad tackles at the end which I did not like too much because it is always a risk.”
Newcastle played without goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who watched on from the stands - but Benitez said his injury was not serious.
When asked if he will be OK for the run-in, Benitez said: “We think so. He has a little discomfort in his shoulder. We have to be careful with him.”
Darlow’s absence did mean Nathan Harker was handed his chance to shine along with Victor Fernandez.
Benitez added: “They were fine. Nathan was unlucky because the first shot was a goal.
“It was quite difficult because it was in the bottom corner. After that, it was fine. He was in good positions so it will be a good experience for him.
“I think Victor did well too. We were attacking a lot in the second half and the last part of the game.
“He was involved all the time.”