RAFA RETURN IS WORTH THE WEIGHT
RAFA BENITEZ returns to the Newcastle dugout today – having shed 11lbs after surgery.
And the slimline Toon chief joked that having discovered the secret to losing weight, he will be eyeing a playing comeback if he undergoes any more operations.
Benitez has been inundated with get well messages since taking an enforced break following a hernia operation.
He revealed he almost had a relapse last Sunday when the main TV at his home on the Wirral went on the blink early on during Newcastle’s 1-0 win at Swansea.
He said: “There was a storm and it was like, ‘Woah!’. Sky was not working for three or four minutes.
“Then my daughter went into the other room to see if that television was working. After that, I was on the sofa and on the phone, shouting all the time. Obviously I wanted to be there but I enjoyed it.
“And I was quite confident because the coaches were telling me everything had been fine during the week.”
Just a few weeks ago after a botched transfer window and three league and cup defeats, the dark clouds were gathering at St James’ Park.
But back-to-back wins have lifted spirits and suddenly, there’s talk of a top-half finish.
Ahead of today’s clash with Stoke, Benitez is keen to keep a lid on expectations.
“At the moment, I am quite positive,” he added. “We have won two games and we can still improve. “Will it be easy? No chance. “If you think now we’re going to win 10 games in a row, it won’t be like this.
“Some teams in the middle of the table, who are comfortable there, maybe it is easier for them, but teams that have a massive support behind them expect a lot more.
“Sometimes they get carried away with good or bad results, but I will try and stay in the same position.
“Happy if we can win more games in a row, but if we lose some, I will stay strong mentally to ensure the players keep their confidence.”