It seems the Newcastle players just love working for manager Rafa Benitez and we’ve had many interviews from the players this summer lauding just how good he is with them.
Rafa’s training sessions are strict and serious, but they also seem to be carried out in such a way that the players enjoy them and can see the value of them.
Matt Ritchie with Rafa Benitez earlier this summer
Rafa also has tactical sessions with the players, where he explains in detail how the various formations will work and the detailed responsibilities of the players in the various positions.
Matt Ritchie raved about Rafa when the former Bournemouth player first arrived at the club this summer and the Scottish International was interviewed on the Football League Preview Show on BBC Radio Five Live last night.
It seems Matt is still excited about working with Rafa as he had this to say:
“He’s been fantastic. I can’t speak highly enough of him,”
“The training has been top draw and he has an aura around him. He demands respect and the sessions are very good.”
“Everyone is happy.”
There’s a huge “feel good” factor surrounding the club this summer because of the Rafa Benitez effect and the exciting project he has going at Newcastle.
But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and the Championship season gets under way in earnest at Fulham on Friday night.
We have to try to get off to a very good start with a win and it seems the only player not available for that game through injury is Siem de Jong.
So it will be the strongest side Rafa can play.
Howay The Lads!!
Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
carl
Aug 3, 2016 at 9:43 AM
Comment #1Running to keep up. Good to see the chatting in little groups during and after training. Shelvey looks fit and relaxed. He could be a key player.
G
Aug 3, 2016 at 9:48 AM
Comment #2Are Krul and Elliot available again? I thought they were some way away from fitness at the minute?
Spoof
Aug 3, 2016 at 9:54 AM
Comment #3carl
I doubt all of them will be, it may be too early for Diame and Clark, they haven’t played or even had a training session, in fact I don’t even think they’ve signed yet, but for the rest of them, Gamez or Janmaat, it could go either way but I just get this sneaky feeling that it will be Gamez, Janmaat possibly in midfield but then again I feel that Ritchie is nailed on for the right wing role and could Janmaat play left ?, we have two new CB’s but is seems inevitable that Lacellas will be captain, so would he leave his captain out to play both of the new ones, I doubt it and about Mbemba, as far as I was aware he was left out on Saturday purely as a precaution and we saw how well he and Lascellas played together, so both new CB’s could be left out, Sels I think will start, as will Hayden and Gayle so for me there will be 5 new lads in for the Fulham match.
SPRINGY
Aug 3, 2016 at 9:57 AM
Comment #4G
dont think elliot is back till october,and not sure krul has done much pre-season work so although he’s running apparently,i think he’s still a canny way from first team football….just from what i’ve read.
widowmagandapoke
Aug 3, 2016 at 9:57 AM
Comment #5Top DRAWER
Jib
Aug 3, 2016 at 9:59 AM
Comment #6I see Leroy Sane said he decided to sign for City after Pep G said he could make him a better player.
It must be very flattering for any player when a worldy coach says that to you.
That’s the Rafa factor.
magscar
Aug 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Comment #7Not worried about any of the new signings – all have been brought in for a reason and whilst not all of Rafa’s ( or any managers including KK and SBR) will come off I expect the majority to have impact. All have had PL experince or are reckoned to be capable of playing there. All will be aware that there are potentially playing for a place in next season’s PL team – if everything works out as we hope.
I suspect gamez was brought in early in expectation of Janmaat going but now looks as though he is staying. Gives Rafa opportunities for difficult away games perhaps with Janmaat or Anita playing in front of Gamez ( or each other even).
Given Rafa’s reputation and the extra games in Championship I expect there will be rotation with few players being automatic starters for every game. Should help with keeping players fresh and help ease injury problems and loss of form.
On Clark he is an upgrade on Williamson and Taylor in my view and though he has apparently struggled of late I do remember him as a player with potential a couple of years ago. Interestingly like a few others he can play in various positions and cover will be needed both at start and from bench I am sure.
Legolas
Aug 3, 2016 at 10:07 AM
Comment #8I read that Elliot would be out for the rest of the year and Krul was a few weeks away yet.
To the old timers on the blog who was the poster who used to give some snippets about possible signings. Didn’t say he was a ITK but used to have a few connections. They have not been on for ages?
Spoof
Aug 3, 2016 at 10:12 AM
Comment #9magscar
Clark hasn’t really had the warmest of welcomes from the fans which I have to admit is something which I find a bit strange, Mbemba was left out on Saturday, hopefully just as a precaution and I do remember that when we signed Hanley it was mentioned that his pre-season had been disrupted and that he had to catch up with the rest in terms of fitness, now if either of those aren’t ready for Friday then we would only have two who are ready, we would be to the bare bones so I am delighted that we have another competent CB, he may not be brilliant but he is one of four in the championship and if Mbemba is still not 100% and Hanley still isn’t quite up to speed yet then we could nedd him as early as Friday, you have to have four good CB’s and that is what we now have so I am delighted.
tomellifred360
Aug 3, 2016 at 10:14 AM
Comment #10I am setting up a NUFC Fantasy Football League. All welcome!
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