The Newcastle United boss believes his side’s lack of experience has been a major factor in recent results.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
The Magpies slumped to their second defeat in their last three league outings yesterday, and Rafa Benitez highlighted a major reason why Brighton and Hove Albion have dealt better with the pressure of the promotion race over recent weeks, as quoted by the Chronicle.
Newcastle now find themselves seven points adrift of the Seagulls, with only three games remaining, but they do hold a six point advantage over third placed Reading.
The Toon have really struggled in recent weeks, and many believe that the pressure that comes about at the business end of the season has been a major contributing factor to that.
And Benitez highlighted Brighton’s experience of being in the promotion race before as something that has proved to be instrumental to their rise to the top of the table, as quoted by the Chronicle:
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
“This is the fifth time that they have been in this position. Does that make a difference? It is simple.”
It’s not all bad news for Newcastle, however. The Tyneside outfit’s run-in looks fairly straightforward, on paper at least.
An away trip to Cardiff City is sandwiched by two home games against Preston North-End and Barnsley respectively, and two wins from those outings would secure the Magpies’ promotion back to the top flight.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benítez
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