In his press conference today Rafa Benitez was very calm as expected and he seems to have recovered from the surgery he had recently which kept him at home watching the TV for our game at Swansea which we won 1-0.
Rafa doesn’t know Chris Hughton very well, but it was obvious last season he has great respect for the former Newcastle manager who was the one who got us promoted back in the 2019-2010 season at the first attempt.
Both managers seem to have great respect for each other, and they are both loved by the Newcastle fans.
Rafa Benitez and Chris Hughton at St. James’ Park last season
This is some of what Rafa said in his press conference today:
“All the staff tell me how good he is as a person. I have a good relationship with him.”
“At the moment I am only thinking about getting three points at Brighton and that’s it.”
“It is important to have confidence but approach the game the same way as the last three games.”
“We have been talking about how players should react to being dropped. Players need to prove they should play”
“Lascelles is an example to the others – to work hard and get back into the team. Prove to the manager they deserve to play”
“Those in the stands need to prove to me they can play”
Jamaal Lascelles has proved himself an example to other Newcastle players in many different ways, and those are some of the reasons Rafa made him captain last year.
Jamaal’s also in terrific form at the moment and could even get an England call-up soon.
Comments welcome.
188 comments so far
sing in the corner
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:12 AM
Comment #161Carl / Mags
It’s a start though!
sing in the corner
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:15 AM
Comment #162IITiantoon
I’m not in a desperate rush to see Shelvey / Merino start together. It’ll keep. At the moment, I’m thinking it ain’t broke so why try to fix it?
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:19 AM
Comment #163IlTianToon
Think it’s still early days for a Shelvey Merino CM partnership especially in an away game unless Hayden is injured. That said we all know how Rafa likes to surprise us.
Thoughts of 2 more creative players in middle takes me back to days of Gary Speed and Rob Lee which worked a lot better than I had expected. Both were also good footballers and hard workers.
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:21 AM
Comment #164SITC
I would be interested to know who and how many have signed non disclosure statements. Are they capable owners? Do they have football backgrounds? Or will they employ football administrative people like Dein, Edwards etc? Have they passed the fit and proper ruling?
The fact he has reduced the price leads me to think he will accept a lot lower…..300 million maybe?
sing in the corner
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:27 AM
Comment #165expat
We all know it’s highly likely Ashley, if he is actually trying to sell, will think he is entitled to much more than anyone will actually pay. He will probably try to work lots of shady clauses and booby traps into any deal to try and make sure he makes as much of a mug out of a buyer as he was. It’s unlikely that wouldn’t be spotted by a proper buyer.
So I’m not getting my hopes up yet.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:28 AM
Comment #166IITianToon…a Perez goal would be brilliant mate…
…at some point we will see a Shelvey Merino partnership, but I don’t think it will be tomorrow night!
But who knows, Rafa doesn’t mind making changes to a winning side, which is refreshing!
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:29 AM
Comment #167Sing
I think Rafa will see it that way at least in this respect- last season he often fixed something that wasn’t broken 🙂
Not yet entirely sure that as a fledgling PL side Rafa would want to risk his midfield being caught out.
I don’t think he will “punish” Shelvey but simply apply the old adage of you earn the shirt you keep it. Up to Shelvey to take his chance when it comes.
Some have offered the No 10 spot as a way of shoehorning both into a side with Hayden and possibly Merino could fit in but Shelvey’s effectiveness would be sorely reduced in an advanced position.
Think Rafa has settled for the time being on Perez high pressing as his style for moment. Not ideal and I have wanted a true no ,10 for some time but Rafa is getting more of a team from mixed players.
sing in the corner
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:31 AM
Comment #168I know Shelvey came in late in the game v Stoke, into a cauldron, but he sat 5 yards in front of the defence and mooched around without getting on the ball. Looked a bit sulky to me, but then again he always does!
🙂
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:32 AM
Comment #169As long as we don’t get another rich entity who are just trying to whitewash his dirty money…
…or in our case promote his own tacky brand for free!
sing in the corner
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:36 AM
Comment #170Mags
Yeah not punishing Shelvey, but hopefully it’s a wake up call for him.
Personally I hope Hayden’s form gets back on track, everything else is good right now. If Hayden plays well with Merino at the Amex, Jonjo will continue to wait I think. And rightly so.
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:39 AM
Comment #171Expat
“Uncivilised”? Nah I thought you Aussies had left old hat stuff like bunch of roses behind. Was thinking you were more likely to have expensive champagne and fresh strawberries by the pool as you set up the telly with a cover over it so she could enjoy her soaps outdoors in early spring (might be too early yet in Melbourne?)
Nice to hear your daughter wanted flowers – the 12 going on 18 brigade over here would probably turn their noses up at them 🙂
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:44 AM
Comment #172Sing
It was unthinkable last season and even a few weeks ago when Shelvey stepped on Alli that we could prosper without him.
Did say then that Merino had been more effective in his cameo than Shelvey had in his time up to sending off but being honest wasn’t expecting how quickly he has settled in to role.
Competition is good just wish we had it at No 10 as well
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:47 AM
Comment #173MAGS, SITC
In all honesty, I wouldnt make any changes at all. I thought the team were excellent last week and created a lot of chances. Their pressure and closing down was quality too and I was also impressed with their passing. Merino and Ritchie were integral and I have no doubt that Hughton will put plans in place to limit the supply to both our wingers while addressing the issue of defending set pieces.
Having a pent up and inspired Shelvey and Gayle to come on in the last 20 minutes as well as maybe Aarons could and should have them champing at the bit to ensure selection the following week.
sing in the corner
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:50 AM
Comment #174Yes number ten remains the iffy spot, but I think Perez’s little upturn is in part due to Merino’s assured performances, keeping possession and picking out the shorter, intricate passes earlier. They seem to have a better understanding. Perez looking a bit more effective when he gets the ball with a that couple of yards of space.
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:50 AM
Comment #175Sing
On Shelvey’s “moodiness” I think he had got used to being first name on team sheet last season and it has been a bit of a shock for him.
Not sure if his attitude can be his Achilles heel or not as things didn’t go his way at Swansea and he didn’t seemingly rise above it but I may have not read that correctly?
Happy for Rafa to work his magic on situation. As long as he doesn’t throw a Colback as there can only be one winner if toys are thrown out the pram
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:52 AM
Comment #176MAGS
Not ready for the pool just yet plus I need to clean it out in readiness for the summer.
However, we did have 29 degrees here today but a cool change is currently breezing through so we are back to 17 tomorrow…….lol
My daughter is a good kid…..couldnt have asked for better and she is developing into a canny left back with one of our local soccer clubs…….however…….the worry now isnt flowers but……boys
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:53 AM
Comment #177Sing
Good call on Merino’s effect on Perez. In fact he has galvanised our whole play when in possession. The missing catalyst in our quick interchange on the break.
Mindshaft
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:55 AM
Comment #178There’s only one way to settle the Tsunki, BobbyBee saga – pistols at 14:55 in centre circle of sjp… come on, you kna it makes sense bonny lads , defend your honour and all that
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:56 AM
Comment #179SITC
I really like Perez……tjink he is a cracking little player and I cannot understand why people are critical of him when you consider for a lad so young, he was sorely played out of position by Pardew Carver and the other bloke.
He came to the club as a central attacking midfielder (number 10) but most of Rafas predecessors played up front as a centre forward or on the wi ng.
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 7:59 AM
Comment #180Expat
Exactly – every father’s worry.
Oh only 29 you must still have a ganzy on. Don’t think we have hit anywhere near that all summer but a week left and as always I am illogically optimistic 😉
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:00 AM
Comment #181Mindshaft
This Bobby thing has veen done to death now mate. Time to move on as he appears to have left the blog………until his next tirade
sing in the corner
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:01 AM
Comment #182Mags
I’m concerned that Shelvey may sulk given how he reacts to other adverse situations, but like you I am hopeful Rafa can produce his man management techniques and solve it.
Damn, off to work…Saturday and Sunday. I will be reduced to racing home at 5pm tomorrow avoiding all media temptation from 4 o clock to watch as-live recording!
Howay the lads!!
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:03 AM
Comment #183MAGS
Sydney has close to 40 today……very unseasonal although I did expetience 38 degrees on grand final day (last saturday in september) about 35 years ago
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:04 AM
Comment #184On Perez would like to see his decision making improve more than it has and for him to stop looking for free kicks. It rarely comes off even when Ref is happily giving them to opposition for similar. May be needs work on how to fall 😉
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:08 AM
Comment #185Expat
Anyway have to go out into the bracing morning. Sun up couple hours and nicely touching 12 degrees – now where’s my t shirt
Catch up later
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:09 AM
Comment #186MAGS
I think he needs to get in the box more and be more decisive in front of goal.
He has upped his workrate and needs to be tougher but he can be a ceeative force and I also agree that Merino is having an impact on his game.
If Merino continues the way he is going, we will have a superstore on our hands. Wonder if Rafa can unearth any more spanish jewels like him.
expatmag
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:10 AM
Comment #187Mags
Later mate
magscar
Sep 23, 2017 at 8:12 AM
Comment #188Expat
A superstore ? Is that Ashley’s plans for St James …lol