Newcastle United: Rafa Benitez’s press conference touches on various topics

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez spoke to the media on Friday, and offered insight on several areas.

Newcastle United are preparing for a key fixture tomorrow afternoon, facing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Manager Rafa Benitez will want nothing short of three points for his team, and is now set for an important few months ahead for the Magpies.

The manager’s press conference on Friday covered several topics, including the club’s dealings during the January transfer period. Newcastle ultimately brought on forward Islam Slimani and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka before the deadline, while also sending out six players on-loan for the rest of the current season.

In regards to Wednesday’s result against Burnley, Benitez was not pleased. “Everybody was upset after the Burnley game because we had enough chances to win. But we didn’t do it.”

One moment that certainly stood out for many this past week was Joselu’s performance at striker, specifically his missed penalty in the first half versus the Clarets.

Benitez knows that this type of scenario can have a very negative effect on a forward, and it will be important for him to look ahead with confidence.

In discussing the Premier League table at the moment, Newcastle’s boss was quick to point out how close the bottom half currently is. “There are five points between tenth and bottom. It’s very close down there. Even if you draw a game you know the next game could see you move ahead.”

Minutes were needed

On the topic of forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, Benitez was clearly flustered earlier in the week by his potential move to Belgium that fell apart on deadline day.

“The situation with Mitrovic was a little bit strange. Anderlecht kept saying yes, then it was a no. But we reacted well, he wanted minutes & we couldn’t guarantee it with Slimani, but we got it done. Mitrovic wanted to play, it’s fine & we helped him do that.”

If Mitrovic will be able to make an impact at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Serbia, he will need to play in the coming months. Ultimately, it was the best decision for all involved.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez know that there are a limited number of points available in 2017-18, and three tomorrow against Crystal Palace would be a major boost.