Rafa: Unbeaten Toon can still get better
RAFA BENITEZ last night admitted there is “still room for improvement’’ after watching his Newcastle side complete their pre-season build-up unbeaten.
The Geordies, who launch their Championship campaign with a visit to Fulham on Friday, secured four wins from five outings.
But after new signings Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle had struck, and Jack Colback added a third before the break, Newcastle allowed their Dutch visitors back into the game in the second half at St James’ Park.
Brazilian forward Nathan, and skipper Guram Kashia pulled two goals back in eight minutes by the hour mark.
Benitez has spent more than £30 million this summer on six signings as he reshapes his squad. But with high-profile departures such as England winger Andros Townsend to Crystal Palace for £13m and Holland midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum to Liverpool for £25m, Benitez has more than balanced the books and is still looking to add to his ranks.
A bid for £10m-rated Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert was knocked back by the Seagulls, but Newcastle may return with an improved offer.
Doubts remain about Moussa Sissoko, but Benitez expects Sissoko to link up with Newcastle this week – unless a move goes through.
The manager said: “The team did well in the first half, and Ritchie and Gayle have quality.
“We are close to where we want to be but we still have room for improvement.
“I’m happy with what we have but we still have to balance the team because we have 46 games to play in the Championship.
“The players who are not here now, like Moussa, will come and start with us until we have any other news. Some of them know we are working with their agents, so everything is clear.’’
Benitez yesterday picked the side he could well send out at Craven Cottage. Ritchie, a £12m signing from Bournemouth, was back after recovering from groin trouble, but Chancel Mbemba wasn’t risked after the central defender turned an ankle in training.
Ayoze Perez appears to be flourishing under fellow Spaniard Benitez, hitting three goals in pre-season, including a brace in the 4-0 win away to Belgian side Lokeren.
Perez should have done better with a 16th-minute header yesterday that he directed straight at keeper Eloy Room, but that was forgotten when Ritchie pounced on 22 minutes with a far-post volley that was deflected in off Vitesse rightback Kelvin Leerdam.
Gayle, who made a £10m move from Crystal Palace, doubled the lead in the 36th minute when the ball broke kindly to him in the box, and Colback headed in Newcastle’s third five minutes before the break on the end of Perez’s cross.