Benitez: Time to tell the new boys what’s needed
Rafa Benitez will have some long overdue time on the training pitch ahead of Newcastle United’s visit to Molineux – and he intends to make the most of it.
Benitez’s players are back in training ahead of Monday night’s televised game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Time on the training pitch has been at a premium over the past six weeks given the club’s hectic league and cup fixture list.
And Benitez – who gave his players three days off after the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley – is keen to use the next few days to bed in new signings Miguel Almiron and Antonio Barreca.
“For sure, it will be good for the new players to have time with us on the training ground,” said United’s manager, whose 15th-placed side is just two points above the relegation zone.
“I think time is important so that players can train together, understand each other, and build relationships.
“So I think it will be a good opportunity for us to explain to the new players what we are expecting from them.
“But, also, it gives the new players the chance to adapt to the team as well, and also our players time to adapt to them.”
Barreca came off the bench at Wembley to make his debut against Tottenham, while Almiron had to travel to Paris to get a work permit after joining from Atlanta United in a club-record £21million deal.
The Paraguay international took part in his first training session yesterday afternoon after returning to Tyneside with his paperwork.
The 24-year-old – who hasn’t played since the MLS Cup final against Portland Timbers on December 8 – will be included in Benitez’s squad for the Wolves game if he comes through the next few days with no ill-effects.
Almiron will be unveiled to the media today.
Meanwhile, tickets for the Wolves game are on general sale from Newcastle’s box office and website.
Tickets are priced £30 for adults and £17 for over65s and under-21s. Under17s and under-12s are priced £14 and £12 respectively.
Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.