Make no mistake, we have to improve on Sheffield defeat
BOSS WARNING PLAYERS TO CUT OUT THE SILLY ERRORS
RAFA Benitez has warned his Newcastle United side they must cut out the mistakes which have crept into their game in recent weeks.
The Toon boss held a meeting at the club’s training ground this week in a bid to resolve some of the problems which unfolded during the 2-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday.
Speaking at his press conference before the Leeds game, Benitez said: “We were analysing the mistakes we made, little by little.
“It is something we have to avoid for the future.
“We started really well second half, we created chances and the goalkeeper made good saves.
“Then we made another mistake and we conceded again.
“We did not play at the level we wanted to play.”
Benitez has not been afraid to ask his squad tricky questions this week.
Speaking about the defeat at Hillsborough, he added: “I was really pleased with the warm-up, the players were focused and communication was quite good.
“Everything seemed quite good, then we started with a throw-in we did not defend well.
“There was a a lack of concentration in certain moments of the game.”
The defeat meant Newcastle lost ground at the top of the table to Brighton, who are now in pole position and could even win the title ahead of the Magpies.
Benitez said: “It is important to be promoted - we have played a lot of games very well and we are where we are because we have done things right.
“We have to try to do things we were doing before, score goals and keep the balance right.
“The priority is to go up, if we are first then much better.
“We have to try to go up and win games – at this stage of the season it is difficult.
“We have to make sure everyone supports the team and we have tried the best.
“Hopefully, the players have not taken their foot of the gas.
“In our meetings we have spoken a lot, we are always thinking about the next games.” For all Newcastle’s problems they could still be promoted on Easter Monday if Huddersfield lose one of their holiday fixtures and United win both of theirs. Benitez said: “The message is very clear, it is just this game. We cannot worry about what is going on.
“We have to win our games, if we win those then we can look at the other games.
“I think one month ago I was talking about the pressure on Huddersfield - everyone will feel the pressure, the teams at the bottom will.
“It is important to manage this and you have to have confidence in your ability and carry on.
“You have to keep talking and training well.
“For players they have to put in very good training sessions so you can replicate that during the games.
“You have to keep sending the same message across - that the fans have to be fully behind the team and hopefully that will sort us.”
Huddersfield will kick off the Easter fixtures with a home game against Preston North End today before Brighton take on Wolves.
If the Terriers lose to Preston, Newcastle know victory against Leeds tonight will mean they could be just one more win away from being a Premier League outfit again.