Newcastle United: Rafa Benitez focused on Burnley and the future ahead
By Roy Emanuel
Newcastle United’s manager has plenty of fight in him.
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez are preparing for another critical fixture in a push for securing their Premier League status this season, hosting Burnley tonight at St. James’ Park. In the midst of a frustrating transfer period it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture, but the Magpies can count on their boss remaining focused on the task in front of them.
The Chronicle reported yesterday that during Benitez’s press conference, the Spanish coach’s mood was a bit down. However, despite negativity during the past few weeks, he is still working hard towards achieving the club’s ultimate goals.
“We are in the bottom half of the table. We know it will be tough competing against teams that are spending a lot of money. But we can still compete, and we will try to with the players we have at the moment.”
Rafa: “This team is competitive and they try their best in every single game. That is something that is guaranteed. I think the fans appreciate that.” #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 30, 2018
Fans have heard this type of talk before from the 57-year-old, as messages urging the need to stick together and keep believing in the squad are certainly common.
So much more was expected in January, as the team required better production in the attack. There was no shortage of names linked to Tyneside, and nobody other than Kenedy has arrived.
In the face of this extreme adversity, Benitez has only put the spotlight on the next match.
“Now every game – of the last 14 – is the most important and at the moment this one is the most important of all.”
An opportunity for a morale boost
Burnley are currently in a poor run of form, without a win since December 12 against Stoke City. Newcastle should feel a sense of confidence in their ability to put in a solid performance at home.
The North East needs something positive to get behind and cheer for, so a victory would be coming at exactly the right time.
Next: Newcastle's top ten transfers in Premier League history
Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez do not have a clear vision of their future together at the moment. Even with that dark cloud hanging over him, the manager knows that there is a mission that must be accomplished.