It’s very clear we have a world-class manager in place at Newcastle and to have won three European Championships with three different clubs takes some doing.
And that’s just some of the success Rafa Benitez has had in his very successful career so far.
But that career can get even better as manager of Newcastle United, and he seems to have everything in place to be successful, assuming we get new owners soon.
The players listen to everything Rafa says, and the home fans do the same thing and then do what’s necessary to help the team during the games.
The fans were rewarded on Saturday with that late goal from Mikel Merino to get the win.
But yes – it was a mediocre game at best to watch with Newcastle nowhere near their best form against a very well organized and spirited Crystal Place side.
Rafa Benitez – we must all stick together
Rafa is convinced the team can keep improving and he has said this today – as reported in the Chronicle – when he was asked if he thought the times ahead for the club could be exciting:
“Yes, I feel like it’s important to realize where we were and where we are.”
“We were relegated, we have come back from the Championship and to be where we are in the Premier League.”
“Every fan, every player and every member of staff needs to remember that the way we have done this is by working hard and sticking together.”
“We are where we are and we are happy with what we have got. We have to make sure these players continue to believe and we can improve and do better.”
“I know we won, but it was not a great game or an easy game.” (you can say that again)
“It’s a young team and we can improve a lot of things and we can improve a lot of players, we must believe we can get results.”
“I think the players always believed they did have the quality for the Premier League, they had that confidence after the first game.”
“Even though we lost to Tottenham, we played with 10 men, but you could see this was a very good team.”
“We could see the level, we could see how hard we worked and how organized we were.”
“If you can do that, you will have chances to be successful.”
“The main thing is the players are working hard, you can say what you want, but if they are not willing to do it, the team will not improve.”
“They want to work hard and they want to learn – the players listen to you, that’s the main thing.”
“After that, young players, it is easier when they see a manager with experience.”
“You put everything together and we have a team that still has plenty of games to go, but my message to everybody is that we have achieved nothing.”
“We have to keep going.”
“If we lose three games in a row, everybody will be panicking, but we are in a really good position.”
“We have to keep doing the same things and stick together and take it one game at a time.”
“We can be stronger if we keep this idea. If we think we have done a great job, we will not.”
“I’m always demanding, that is the way. You cannot think you have achieved anything because in my experience if you do, that, you will not achieve anything.”
“Everyone was expecting this would be an easy game, but it wasn’t. I have this experience, I can say: ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that.’”
“We have to realize that we have to focus on every single game.”
Great words there form Rafa.
We are reminded of the axiom that once any player believes their own headlines it’s downhill from there.
It’s true in any profession – to believe you can become better and that you are always learning – however old you are.
And as many readers will testify – I am still trying to improve on how to write decent articles – after over 10 years of trying.
🙂
Newcastle are in a really good place right now – we just need to keep Rafa Benitez on board for as long as we possibly can – and success will be assured.
Rafa Benitez was born to manage Newcastle United.
Comments welcome.
94 comments so far
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:16 AM
Comment #41One thing good about Ashley being a complete money hungry C-nut is IF we managed to get bought out, the amount hes asking rules out jokers like Venky’s, Randy Lerner, Ellis Short etc… 3/400M is too high a price to come in unless you intend to make a statement and want champions league/top honours and players. Its a complete speculate to accumulate amount that rules out tinpot businessmen , it would have ruled Ashley out of buying us. For me, anyone spending 400m on a premier league club, tv money or not is never risking relegation because of inactivity in the transfer market in the way Ashley has
For me the sheer amount just rules out your got lucky with one business or inherited it millionaires, realistically that outlay will only be in the leagues of people who have succeeded consistently and globally
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:22 AM
Comment #42Jay…I have know idea of what a football club of Newcastle statue will cost or what the marked can uphold at the moment, but I will be surprised if anyone will cough up £380M or in the area for our club!
Not that I really care what it will cost as long as who ever buys it can afford to take us forward and has intent to do so…
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:22 AM
Comment #43*know = no
Jib
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:23 AM
Comment #44jay
In his last couple of games for Spain U21
Merino seems to have been deployed as an
old fashioned inside forward.
A bit like Mario Gomez or Sandro Wagner
if you know them
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:25 AM
Comment #45@Jesper – yea Diame put himself about a bit..i mean don’t get me wrong he was no roy of the rovers but his physicality meant the ball stuck more than with Perez and allowed us to get up the field!
At the risk of going super analytical, Diame coming on meant he attacked the back post on our corners, something previously that Merino had done and been man marked/wrestled, meaning Merino drifted into the middle and thus found himself with space and a chance to run at the ball (gotta love watching American TV, they go super into analysis)
Guessing Burnley will be no prettier a game, Chris Wood did well against our defence last year too but gotta say Lascelles was fantastic again on Saturday! Took no prisoners and im pretty sure he caused cabaye to pee his own pants at one point. LeJeune looked very very solid too, bit of a baller
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:32 AM
Comment #46Maybe we should start with Diame against Stoke then…his type is a better fit anyway against the lesser flair oriented teams like Stoke
lochinvar
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:33 AM
Comment #47Jfa and Sitc
You could be onto something about the quiet ones.
We need to start planting Agent Provocateurs into the quiet sections of the crowd rather like an Undercover Boss ( but not Mike) turning up to sit in a seat next to you when least expected.
They would be known only as the “Secret Singers” and schooled by Gareth Malone to ensure pitch perfect renditions of “The Blaydon Races” , ” We are the Geordies” and “Cushy Staveley” “(altogether now, “She’s a grand lass and a Bonny lass and we’d like her here, they call her Amanda Staveley and she’ll buy the beer ” )
Anyone claiming a sore throat would have to gargle with Broon Ale and and recite “Rafa Rafael” one hundred times to get their voice back into shape.
And of course there’s the prospect of Standing Areas being reintroduced into grounds which will help.
Couldn’t help notice that they played ” Don’t back down” by Tom Petty after the final whistle – should make that a regular anthem, maybe at the start of the second half.
The next Mike Williamson
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:33 AM
Comment #48When I first joined this blog, it was all about how armchair fans aren’t true fans, and I’d guess a lot of them took offence and stopped commenting. Next up was people who don’t blindly despise Ashley aren’t true fans, then came people who have negative expectations or dare to question an aspect or decision or signing of Benitez aren’t true fans and shouldn’t bother coming to matches, now it’s people who don’t sing or don’t sit in certain seats shouldn’t be allowed in, as well as ‘posh’ people. Who’s next in the firing line? It will probably be people not born in Newcastle aren’t true fans, including those born in Gateshead or South Tyneside. At this rate, we’ll be left with just one lardy, loud mouthed, true fan sitting in an empty stadium with nobody left to berate, congratulating himself on being a better fan than everybody else. Debates about mangers and players are fun, but a lot of sniping on here just seems purposefully divisive or personal. We all support and love the same team and shouldn’t attack others for being less fanatical. Competitive fandom is as dumb as the wave of competitive extremist patriotism sweeping the world.
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:34 AM
Comment #49I think we’ll go for north of 300m,purely because Ashley has spent nearly that in buying us and then his loan, hell want that back and he’ll want a profit… The new tv deal next year will see the value raise too. Read somewhere that in the business world, Rafa plays a bit part as a world class manager he becomes one of the selling points as actually successful business takeovers of profit making companies look to make as few changes as possible.
Id take the Esso tiger as an owner if it meant Ashley went…
Jail for Ashley
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:41 AM
Comment #50TNMW,
I take it your not a fan of the three strikes and your out idea?
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:42 AM
Comment #51@Lochinvar – pretty sure Ashley bought Agent Provocateur earlier this year… not sure I really wanna line his pockets with anymore of my hard earned 🙂
Jail for Ashley
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:44 AM
Comment #52There’s only ever been one poster who has categorized fans in to a status based on match day attendance.
martoon
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:44 AM
Comment #53jayphoto @38 – I agree with you about Lascelles I thought he was everywhere with timely interceptions and MotM in my opinion. Lejeune seemed to grow in confidence and in the second half tried some long raking passes from the back – they didn’t all work but this looks a good option for the future.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:49 AM
Comment #54Martoon,
If Lascelles and Lehuene are to be the centre back pairing do you think Clarke and Mbemba will be happy to stay on.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:50 AM
Comment #55Lejeune
martoon
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:56 AM
Comment #56Jail @47 – Good question and hopefully this is where Rafa ‘earns his corn’ with his man management skills. It is particularly tough on Clarke who has done nothing wrong but personally I’d rather see one of them playing at Left Back because I’m not convinced by Manquillo!
The next Mike Williamson
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:58 AM
Comment #57@Jay
I don’t think Merino would be better at number 10, but I disagree with what you say about pace being important for that role. It’s more about pace of mind, getting in the space and seeing a one touch pass. I think if you are excessively fast then the ball tends not to stick so close to your feet which is a problem in really tight areas of the pitch – also going at huge speeds it’s more difficult to see what’s going on around you. Atsu would probably struggle badly in No 10. If you look at the best number 10s or people who play that role of picking out the passes (Iniesta, Coutinho, Beardsley, Scholes, Silva, DeBruyne, Eriksen, Mata, Ozil, Carzola, Sigurdsson, Sheringham and the same goes for the deeper playmakers – Alonso, Xavi, Gazza, Hagi, Pirlo, Hoddle, Modric, Fabregas) What do they all have in common? The answer is none of them are particularly fast. There are players who aren’t all about using their vision who still make good number 10s like Gerard and Alli but generally the best ones don’t rely on pace or strength.
Australian Pie
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:58 AM
Comment #58I want Mitrovic up top next week! I honestly believe we are a better side with him up top, unfortunately none of our strikers are prolific. I think Joselu has had a good run and has done Ok without being great. Only fair to give Mitro a few in a row with Joselu coming off bench to see if he can get into some good form
The next Mike Williamson
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:01 PM
Comment #59That was a long time ago the match day attendance debate. i can’t really remember who was involved. I just remember it went on and on. It’s all the same mentality though.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:07 PM
Comment #60AP,
The reception he got was huge when he came on and unfortunately Joselu looks like a spare part. He might be ok as a bit part player but he’s not good enough to lead the line. Both his goals have been flukes and I think his team mates have lost confidence in him.
Jail for Ashley
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:09 PM
Comment #61TNMW
If you can’t see that having singing police and chucking people out for being quiet is not a bit of fun then you need to get a sense of humour or move to Denmark.
hibbit
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:10 PM
Comment #62this is what the Gulf press think about the asking price
https://www.thenational.ae/business/newcastle-united-price-tag-to-make-fat-profit-for-unpopular-ashley-1.669569
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:15 PM
Comment #63@the next mike Williamson – didn’t necessarily mean fast as in pace, just fast off the ball movement, ie short bursts, thinking more similar to iniesta, Beardsley wasn’t quick, but his standing still to moving 2-3 yards reaction was (similar to micky Quinn in the box).
Reason I mentioned Atsu is because I saw he played there a few times for Ghana and hes possibly the only one with the pace to consistently get beyond the target man.
Find it really interesting that a new style number 10 has sort of been created in the last couple seasons- The defensive number 10 – used more to press and run than create. First one I’ve seen to use it myself was how Galtier used Saivet at St Ettiene but the player that really has become a master of it is Isco at Madrid, Perez seems like hes being used to play that role, attacking wise hes disappointed me but as a defensive unit we’re the most solid I can ever remember, so few chances given away and that’s a whole team collective effort. I think against the big sides Perez’ contribution will be valuable
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:20 PM
Comment #64@Jail – was thinking this on Saturday with Mitro and merino – but benitez literally had 2 separate players to bring off the bench that got the crowd lifted in a terrible game.. if supporters are the 12th man, and make as much difference as people say then being able to bring Mitro on is a tactical masterstroke because the crowd went mad and it really lifted a flat atmoshphere in the 2nd half.
Personally think Mitro is the best striker we have.. I’ve no doubt hed be first choice if Rafa trusted him… Just lets himself down consistently… the west Ham ban a prime example because he came on, got a goal, was a nuisance and then goes and gets a 3 match ban for stupidity.. No idea why he does these things because he doesn’t do it for Serbia, hes the quintessential professional target man and actually Serbia set up quite similar to Newcastle with wide players really wide in a 4-2-3-1
The next Mike Williamson
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:22 PM
Comment #65@Jayphoto
Yeah roles keep on changing, it’s hard to keep up. Atsu would have possibly been a striker a few years ago when that position was all about pace, now it seems to be about being a target man, but it will no doubt change again. I think Adam Armstrong may be a victim of current fashions as there isn’t much demand for a small striker these days and he doesn’t strike me as a winger, and I’m not sure if he can play No.10
YoungMag :P
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:28 PM
Comment #66Anyone think dummett’ injury has been a blessing in disguise? Mbemba and Manquillo have both done great jobs in that role. Our whole defence has been superb, but the gem in our defence is Yedlin, he is growing into a really important player for us.
Mindshaft
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:29 PM
Comment #67Makes me laugh that pundits and the like mention we are short of goals and that will be a major problem – only the teams above us plus Liverpool have scored more so twelve other teams are in major trouble with goal scoring too – coupled with the fact we have the best defensive record outside of top 3 we will be okay this season although clearly it would be great to score more.
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:31 PM
Comment #68@next mike – Think Armstrong falls into being a victim of having enough pace to dominate at u18s levels to create decent stats and generate hype, especially being a hometown lad, but lacking the other attributes to be genuine top level player when it comes to playing against intelligent seasoned pro’s..
Not saying he’ll fall out of the game, hes shown at the moment hes around the lower level championship/upper league 1 ability, personally can see him popping up in the premier league around mid 20s but most likely with a promoted club similar to how Andre grey and Dwight Gayles careers have gone. Honestly be really surprised if he came through for us though…under Ashley the margins are too tight for a manager to be able to give him the bedding in period to find his feet and if we get a takeover you’d imagine the money would be there to buy a higher level
YoungMag :P
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:34 PM
Comment #69Gosh it really is exciting times ahead for us.
Got to say though that the recruitment bar Murphy has been superb. Rafa really knows what he’s doing. He needs a statue, I don’t even care. In his time here he has been so influential in everything positive. What a man!
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Comment #70@youngmag – I think dummett coming back will be helpful against some of the bigger clubs… Id definitely rather line up with Dummett when it comes to playing Arsenal/Man City/Man utd etc as hes shown he tends to play very well up against better players..good defender and focuses on the job at hand dependably..
Manquillo/Mbemba willingness to get forward definitely has seen us more balanced against Stoke/Palace/West ham etc..my thoughts are though Dummett is probably the best left back at the club, can only be a plus to have him fit
YoungMag :P
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:40 PM
Comment #71Defensively I agree he is our best LB. But I can’t help but feel it disrupts the balance of the side. He was improving though, if he works on it I will admit he’s our best LB.
Tsunki
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:48 PM
Comment #72TNMW – I was wondering if it would be a good idea to set up an Anti-Balti pogrom to single out those who bought those horrible pies. Also those who dont like flags, people who consistently sit down for 90 minutes…anyone with beards… Newer shirts than northern rock ones…supporters from Ripon..
Tsunki
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:49 PM
Comment #73…or was it Richmond?
Tsunki
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:49 PM
Comment #74Aye Richmond ha ha
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:52 PM
Comment #75@youngmag – Think its probably somewhere we need to strengthen going forward..was a bit gutted we’ve never been in for Robertson who Liverpool eventually took.. Theres a really promising left back at Hertha id love us to take on – Marvin Plattenhardt, just recently broke into the national team and his value/potential/ability would make us a viable option…
The next Mike Williamson
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:54 PM
Comment #76I suspect the same about Armstrong. When he was 15-16 he was a lot more developed than many his age and possibly appeared better than he was due to this strength/ pace advantage. Most of England’s youth teams are the same, and we’re only doing well because we’re twice the size or twice as fast as many other teams at young levels. Unfortunately this isn’t an advantage that can be maintained to professional level when those aspects alone aren’t enough to overcome teams. At the moment we are better than Spain and Germany’s youth teams, but I’d bet in 3 years the same players will have been overtaken.
The next Mike Williamson
Oct 23, 2017 at 12:57 PM
Comment #77@Tsunki
Any traitor who doesn’t live on a purely north-eastern diet of peas pudding stotties shouldn’t be allowed to watch games.
Tsunki
Oct 23, 2017 at 1:11 PM
Comment #78Agreed. I’m hungry now.
jayphoto
Oct 23, 2017 at 1:15 PM
Comment #79@The next mike – common in England tho, I speak from experience, I was rapid as a kid, faster than anyone I ever played against, and was signed to an PL academy etc, had a couple of trials at pro clubs too, remember averaging over a goal a game most season and I’ll be the first to admit, as an adult around 19 onwards I was a horrific player, had 2 horrendous trials at Crewe and Peterborough, Few months being last picked at training with Rushden Diamonds etc
Clubs in this country focus too much on the wrong attributes when developing youngsters. I couldn’t trap a bag of sand and my positioning could only be described as a self decided free role yet I got way more oppurtunities than much technically superior kids
Mister Tuff
Oct 23, 2017 at 1:19 PM
Comment #80wow – one or two folk getting ideas of development under a non Mr Tubbs regime.
The chanters seem to be having a lot of ideas at the moment. But what happens if folk are crap singers – what happens then????
Why not have the chanters doing a dance routine as well- invite Simon Cowell to come up to judge the entrants. Not enough time I hear you say – sort that out straight away nee bother.
Have lots of intervals -and the entertainment during the intervals could be football – say ten minutes duration – players go off and the singing and dance routines continue for half an hour and the ten minutes football starts again. Sorted!
Could have a Grande Finale at the end of the season – judged by non other that Kim Jong Un.