Rafa Benitez has just given his press conference this afternoon for the potentially tricky game at home tomorrow against second bottom side Wigan Athletic.
Newcastle have not done well at home this season against poor sides, but we must win the next two games against two bottom four sides – Wigan and Burton Albion.
It looks like Dwight Gayle will start tomorrow, with Rafa saying he has trained well over the last two weeks without any problems.
Rafa Benitez – at his press conference
Here’s some of the comments that are being reported in the local press by reporters at the press conference:
“We have some games to play at home, and we will try to improve our record.”
“We have eight games so now it is a mini league. We must approach one game at a time.”
“We have some players who were injured, and it’s been a good time for them to recover. Some still have problems.”
“We know Wigan are trying to avoid relegation so, as always, it will be a tough game, a difficult one.”
“We have to concentrate on ourselves – if we think too much about Wigan, we will lose our focus.”
“I’ve been really pleased with the atmosphere in the whole city.”
“I think Gayle has been really good for us. His injury was a problem. He has trained without problems.”
“No I have not focused on transfers or next season. The scout department is working but we are focusing on Wigan and that is all.”
So we are not sure from those comments who is still injured but we assume it’s only Ciaran Clark.
We need a win tomorrow with the two clubs below us Brighton and Huddersfield also at home to two bottom four sides Blackburn and Burton respectively.
Here’s the current state of the top six in the Championship before this next batch of games coming up – three games in the next eight days.
[table “54” not found /]Over four in five fans think we can win this game.
We must win this game.
Comments welcome.
5 comments so far
Hail Wor Ashley
Mar 31, 2017 at 1:57 PM
Comment #1Just bloody attack and press high from the kick-off, tis the only way to do things at St James’ Park. Do that, the crowd are on board from the off and we’ll win comfortably.
toonincheek
Mar 31, 2017 at 2:28 PM
Comment #2It’s about time the team gave Rafa a bit of relaxation time.
Go out, work hard, 3 or 4 nil up by HT then sit back and contain.
lesh
Mar 31, 2017 at 2:32 PM
Comment #3Yes Hail, As Rafa’s referrened to the last eight games as a mini league, it might be a good time to change his tactics at home.
Attacking the opposition from kick off’ll certainly liven our fans up and hopefully spur the lads on rather than make them nervous.
So, go for Wigan’s throats and get the three points ala the Entertainers of old.
SPRINGY
Mar 31, 2017 at 2:53 PM
Comment #4Haven’t been on much so only just seen eds medical update…..sorry to hear that ed…but u can beat it mate….keep fightin….all the best to you and your family
SPRINGY
Mar 31, 2017 at 3:03 PM
Comment #5Martoon from earlier
Aye would be very interesting to see that stat tbh…but nobby and shearer must of worked to knoe when and where to put the ball to give shearet the best chance…..a great ball doesn’t have to perfect placed on the head or foot of the striker….just has to give him the advantage over the defender….seems a lost art in modern football….even from 10-15 yrs ago.