Believe in miracles
IF WE DO THE RIGHT THINGS WE WILL STAY UP SAYS RAFA
RAFA Benitez is still confident Newcastle United will achieve their goal of Premier League survival – despite a disappointing festive period.
The Magpies netted just two points from an available 12 during the holiday fixtures while Burnley, Cardiff and Southampton all made ground on them.
But Benitez, who takes Newcastle to Chelsea this weekend for another tough clash, feels his side will be out of the bottom three by the time the season finishes.
They are still eight points ahead of Huddersfield at the bottom and have a four-point advantage on Fulham, but just two points separate Newcastle, Cardiff, Burnley and Southampton who occupy the last relegation slot.
Benitez told the Chronicle: “Our reaction in the second part of the Premier League last season was quite good.
“We have to realise now it won’t always be like that, but we have to work hard.
“It is better to get the points early and see afterwards how far we can go.
“I think we are fine, but am I totally happy with what we are achieving now? No, because we can do better.
“It will be easier for us to manage the second half of the season.
“I’m still quite confident if we do the right things we will stay up. Even if it is a miracle.”
Benitez rotated his squad over the festive period and was criticised for his selection against Liverpool on pick the right players for a certain Boxing Day. game.
The 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers “Sometimes a player who is also prompted questions after classed as better in theory, they can eight changes were made from the be tired. If he is tired he’s worse than team that lost to Manchester United. the other one.
Benitez said: “To be fair I “If you had Lionel Messi - OK, he didn’t just manage the would have to be there no matter squad against Liverpool, what as he can make the difference. I thought we “But if you don’t have players like could win the a Messi or players of a similar level game with fresh you need players who can give you legs and doing something physically in a third game the right things. in a row in a short period of time.” “I was disappointed Chelsea will also be involved in some rotation this week as they prepare because we to take on Spurs in the semifinals made mistakes of the League Cup this week. against a very United are waiting to see if Jonjo good team to give Shelvey will be available after he them the advantage. returned to Barcelona to see a specialist “We should have to check on a thigh injury. managed the game better. But Federico Fernandez could “The festive games are not just return to the team after a hip injury about managing the squad and having sidelined him for the encounter fresh legs for each game, it is to against Manchester United. Rafa Benitez
It will be easier for us to manage the second half of the season
Miguel Almiron