Newcastle United: Benitez reaffirms team are giving maximum effort despite poor results
By Roy Emanuel
“You can have it all, but how much do you want it?”
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez certainly had a disappointing weekend, as a 1-0 loss at Arsenal saw a performance that ultimately deserved a point. While the result did not go their way, the Magpies boss was once again adamant that the squad is doing all that they can do.
Benitez’s post-match comments focused on various aspects, including how the fans are feeling at the moment and the issues that are at play currently. The Toon Army are a frustrated bunch, and the Spanish tactician alluded to a summer transfer window that did not bring the expected reinforcements for the team’s Premier League return.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Benitez spoke of positives ahead. “The fans know what the situation is from September. The main thing for me is to be sure that the team continue working like today. It’s a long season. We are having games where we are losing by one goal now, but they will turn into draws and wins.”
The manager has spoken before about everyone associated with the club sticking together, and that is an important thought for supporters to keep in-mind. But it is also difficult to see what will change in the coming weeks.
Takeover talks rumble on
Benitez feels that the squad is capable of avoiding another drop to the Championship, and can compete with the rest of the English top flight. “The difference between some teams in the table is not too big. If we continue doing that we will have a couple of games where we can get better results and gain more confidence.”
However, a key to this stands firmly with the potential new ownership group and the January transfer period.
Source close to @NUFC takeover talks says valuation gap remains but it's still hoped both parties "can find a way to get a deal done."
— Jim White (@JimWhite) December 17, 2017
With little confirmation that funds will be available, few additions may be signed coming up. The future may rely on the current players, and that does bring about concerning feelings.
Next: Top five January transfer needs for Newcastle United
Newcastle United are preparing for a vital fixture at West Ham on Saturday. The Magpies are offering everything that they have on the pitch, and hopefully that will be enough to end this discouraging win-less streak.