A look at how perceptions are changing around the club.
Before Rafael Benitez walked through the doors at St James’ Park, Newcastle had players that simply did not want to be there. Unfortunately, for a period of time the club had players on their books that only cared about the money.
Benitez is changing that, off-loading players such as Moussa Sissoko, a player who rarely turned up for Newcastle. The whole mentality has changed now. The players know exactly what it means to be at Newcastle United. They understand what the club means to the fans. With that mentality brings a fight and determination to push forward. Everyone at the club is pulling in the same direction, something that hasn’t happened in a long time.
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Over the years, players have used this wonderful club as a stepping stone, staying for a few seasons and moving on. However, the majority of those players have realised that the grass isn’t always greener. While Georginio Wijnaldum had a solid season for Liverpool, Moussa Sissoko had a disastrous campaign at Tottenham. The likes of Demba Ba, Jose Enrique and Andy Carroll have all seen their careers stall since leaving Newcastle.
Benitez is bringing in players that are hungry to succeed. However, the Spaniard is also looking for the right characters to fit in with the current crop of players. We saw last season just how close the squad are. During a long, hard slog of a season in the Championship, the team needed to have unity. Players such as Matt Ritchie, Isaac Hayden, Dwight Gayle and Ciaran Clark all arrived last summer. All jumped at the chance of playing for Benitez, and we have seen it again this summer with Florian Lejeune, Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy.
Newcastle fans can now identify with the players pulling on the famous black and white shirt. The club is no longer being poisoned by players that don’t care. Having a team with the right mentality is just as important as having the quality. Having a closely-knit side will be just as important in the Premier League this season, as it was in the Championship last term.
Benitez has a long-term project at Newcastle, all about making progress each season. During the next campaign, the main goal will be to keep out of danger and build from there. Fans may be underwhelmed at Newcastle’s signings during the current transfer window, however there must be a sense of realism. The club cannot compete with those that have benefited from the Premier League TV deal during the past few years. Benitez has identified players that will do a good job for Newcastle, all the while being affordable and having the correct attitude.
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Providing Newcastle United don’t suffer relegation this season, they will also see the benefit of the Premier League TV deal next summer. It is refreshing to see a set of players that care about playing for this amazing club. Long may it continue.