Newcastle United take on Wolverhampton Wanderers today at 15:00.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has urged caution ahead of his side’s home game against Wolves today, after their brilliant 6-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in midweek, as quoted by the Chronicle.
In contrasting fortunes to the Magpies, Wolves suffered a torrid 4-0 home drubbing from Barnsley on Tuesday, and many pundits and fans are predicting a one-sided contest at St James’ Park today.
Benitez, however, wants fans to manage their expectations today, explaining how hard the Championship is, as quoted by the Chronicle:
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
“It is really important for everyone to realise we are doing well, and we’re pleased and happy. But we still have a lot of things to do and it’s a long, long season. We won 6-0 on Tuesday and they lost 4-0 and it seems that it will be an easy game, no chance – it will be tough and difficult.”
Wolves have certainly struggled for consistency under Walter Zenga, but it would be no surprise if they turned up and put a top level performance in at St James’ Park, with the Jekyll and Hyde nature of their season thus far.
The Italian made a plethora of signings over the summer, including the cub record fee paid for Portuguese youngster Ivan Cavalier, and if results do not begin to improve soon, he will surely start to come under pressure from the fans.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
It is this kind of pressure that Benitez wants to avoid, and urged the fans to be patient:
“My message to our fans is to do what you have done already. Support the team, give the players confidence and don’t put too much pressure on them, and they’ll play better.”
Newcastle could move top of the Championship table today with a victory, if Huddersfield fail to beat QPR.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
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