Magpies players get behind Rafa

– Newcastle United’s players have faith in manager Rafa Benitez and are confident that the Spaniard’s defensive approach to matches against the Premier League’s big teams will pay off, midfielder Mohamed Diame has said.

Newcastle fielded five players in defence in their last two games but their conservative tactics did not prevent 2-1 defeats to Chelsea and champions Manchester City, with Benitez drawing criticism.

“We back him. We will do everything to make sure we get the results we want,” Diame said. –

London