Newcastle United are currently second in the Championship table.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has told Coral that manager Rafa Benitez is reasonably happy with how things are going this season.
The Spanish boss took charge of the Magpies back in March and surprised many by staying on at the club despite their relegation to the Championship.
After a busy summer of recruitment they have since started life in the second tier strongly and currently sit second in the table after 12 games of the season.
Dwight Gayle celebrates with Jonjo Shelvey after scoring the third goal for Newcastle United
They continued their winning form on Saturday afternoon as they beat Brentford 3-1.
The aim is to make an immediate return to the Premier League and Shearer says Benitez is more than aware of that being the target.
“I had a coffee with Rafa in the week and he’s reasonably happy with the way things are going,” he told Coral.
“He’s loving life at Newcastle and hopefully long may that continue. He has [big aspirations for the club] and he, like everyone else, knows the aim is to get back into the Premier League this season – not next season, this season.”
Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring the fourth goal for Newcastle United
It remains to be seen if Newcastle United can return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
They have certainly started the season well and sit just a point behind league leaders Norwich City, who are arguably their biggest rivals this season.
The campaign is far from done, though, with the Magpies sure to face more hurdles in the months to come, something Shearer says their manager is more than aware of.
“He knows it’s a long, hard slog and it won’t be easy but he’s confident in his players,” he added.
“He’s got a group of players who he feels he can work with and improve, and I think they will improve.”
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
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