Newcastle United have been on a worrying run of late.
Speaking to the media during his pre-match press conference, Magpies boss Rafa Benitez explained how the struggles of Aston Villa and Norwich City have highlighted how well his side have done, after suffering relegation from the Premier League last season, as quoted by the Chronicle.
The Tyneside outfit have been on a concerning run of form of late, after making such an impressive start to their season, having won four and lost four from their last eight league outings.
But Benitez believes the media have been to quick to criticise his Newcastle side, drawing attention to Villa and Norwich’s struggles in the second tier of English football, as quoted by the Chronicle:
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
“The Championship is very difficult. You see the other teams that were relegated, I think we are in a very good position. Brighton are doing fantastic. But how much money have they spent in the last few years? How many times have they been in the play-offs? Do they have experience in this league? Yes. We are doing really well for a team that has been relegated and needs to change a lot of things: like the mentality and a lot of things in the way we do business.”
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
It could be argued, however, that the Magpies are underachieving, after having spent so much money in the summer on new recruits.
And now, as they move on into the second half of their campaign, it will be vitally important for Benitez’ side to embark on another run of victories, before they face league leaders Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on January 28th, in a game that could prove to have a defining impact on the destination of the Championship title.
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