Samba star enjoying loan life on Tyneside thanks to ‘winner’ Benitez and fans
I AM LUCKY TO WORK WITH A ‘WINNER’ LIKE THE GAFFER SAYS TOON WINGER KENEDY
KENEDY has a “good relationship” with Rafa Benitez and is confident the Newcastle United manager will improve him as a player.
The 22-year-old returned to Tyneside for a second spell during the summer after the Magpies agreed a season-long loan deal with Chelsea.
One of the key reasons Kenedy was attracted to United in the first place was Benitez’s presence in the dugout and the Spaniard also played a crucial role in convincing the Brazilian to come back to the North East this season.
The Magpies’ boss keeps telling the winger – who signed for Chelsea from Fluminense back in 2015 – he should improve his English if he wants to progress as a player.
Kenedy will have just a year left on his Blues deal once his loan move expires and the Brazilian believes he is “lucky” to be working with a manager of Benitez’s quality.
He said of Benitez: “There is no doubt he can improve a player and I believe he is keen to improve me.
“He is always talking to me and giving me little pieces of advice.
“He reminds me about the importance of learning English and I know he is right.
“We have a good relationship and it has been very nice working with him.
“Rafa is a winner and he knows so much about football. “He is one of the best managers in the game, too, so I am lucky to work with him.”
Despite having been on Tyneside for less than a year,
Kenedy has already built a strong rapport with the United supporters.
In fact, he has revealed the atmosphere at St James’ Park in September 2015 - when he visited Newcastle as a Chelsea player played a “huge part” in luring him to Tyneside on loan.
Kenedy added: “They are just amazing. I keep saying that, actually.
“It is me who is the fan of them, not the other way around.
“They have been treating me well from my first day at the club.
“They are all crazy about football, believe me. I am happy to play for them and grateful for everyone’s affection and effort to make me feel at home.
“Our stadium is always full and they support us with incredible passion. They make the team stronger at home.
“I remember when I came here to play for Chelsea during my first season in England.
“It was a 2-2 draw and I was impressed with the atmosphere at St James’ Park. “Then, when the opportunity to join Newcastle on loan came my way, I immediately thought back to that experience. It played a huge part in my decision to sign for the club, no doubt about it.”
During 13 games for the Magpies last season, Kenedy scored twice and provided two assists.
Although he started the 2018/19 campaign slowly, the Brazilian netted Newcastle’s opening goal and put in an excellent display against Manchester United earlier this month - and remains the Magpies’ top source of creativity.
He said: “It is difficult to explain why my best form has come for the Magpies but I felt really welcomed at Newcastle.
“They made a big effort to sign me and it is great for a player when the club shows an interest in you.
“That has probably helped me adapt quickly to this team and this city.
“You feel admired and it can only be good for your confidence.
“I have been treated well since the first day I came here.
“From the porter to the president, everyone has been kind to me and honest with me.
“It is an honour to play for Newcastle United, one of the traditional clubs in England.
“I am so grateful for the way they have looked after me and I will do everything I possibly can to pay them back with goals and good performances this season.”
It has been nice working with him. Rafa is a winner and he knows so much about football Kenedy (below)