Rafa should give Magpies the order to come out

IF I was giving a pre-match teamtalk for Newcastle United this weekend, I would have a simple message for the players: Release the handbrake.

I understand and respect Rafa Benitez’s approach away from home, but at St James’ Park Newcastle need to be attacking teams - and I am sure he recognises that.

Saturday’s opponents Leicester are a dangerous side but they have had an inconsistent start to the season and I see no reason why the Magpies cannot get that first win this weekend.

If Newcastle are going to beat the Foxes, though, they need to start creating more chances - because only then will the goals arrive.

Salomon Rondon is struggling for full fitness, while Joselu is never going to be a prolific striker.

However, they need some help from their team-mates. It is not like the pair are missing chance after chance - they are barely getting any opportunities presented to them.

The likes of Kenedy, Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez, Christian Atsu, Jacob Murphy and Jonjo Shelvey need to be whipping the ball into dangerous areas or playing through-balls to release the forwards.

I would also like to see those players getting into the box and to start contributing goals of their own.

They have the ability but it is about showing it more regularly.

I hope Benitez tells his players to press Leicester from the first minute.

Then I want to see Newcastle standing 15-to-20 yards higher up the pitch than they were at Selhurst Park. At St James’, Newcastle need to be on the front foot and dictating