My players really care, insists boss

RAFA Benitez has insisted his team “cares” enough to drag itself away from the relegation zone, writes LEE RYDER.

The Magpies go in against Brighton this weekend as 5/4 favourites to take three points but confidence is not high on Tyneside at the moment.

However, Benitez feels his side is close to turning the corner.

He said: “Our fans are very clever - they know this team does care.

“It works really hard. The players know our strengths and they know our weaknesses and one of our strengths is having our fans behind the team.

“So, I think if (the fans) see something wrong they will still be supporting the team.”

Benitez is also not concerned about the shape of his team and underlined the fact they were able to go 2-0 up at Man United as evidence they are capable of getting out of trouble.

He added: “We have looked through the analysis and the most important thing for us was we did really, really well for a long period. It was quite positive.

“The main thing for me was we were capable against a team like Manchester United - with the players they have, the money they have and the players they were able to bring off the bench and we were able to do well.

“We had a chance to score a third goal, had a penalty not given - many things that could be in our favour.

“We did really well, that is the positive thing. If we continue like that, training the way we train and working hard, we will be fine.”