Benitez has a big squad at his disposal, meaning plenty of competition for places.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has explained why nobody is guaranteed to retain their place in the side.
Benitez has assembled a huge squad during the summer with the aim of managing players’ fitness and keeping them fresh during a long and demanding campaign.
Explaining his thinking, the Spaniard told the Chronicle: “It is really important for us to have two players in each position. Then they can compete for positions.
“In the end it will be good. We need to keep them focused and feeling they are part of the group and an important member of the team, it’s what we’ll try to do.
“But you’ll have problems with fatigue or injuries at some point. In two or three days it’s something you have to manage.”
It seems that Benitez has got the right balance so far as he has rotated his side. Despite losing their first two games of the season they have won four consecutive games in the Championship to find themselves in second place in the division, as well as making it through to the third round of the EFL Cup.
Right now he seems to have the right dynamic and all of the players are on their toes, including the captain Jamaal Lascelles, who has experienced being omitted from the starting XI on one occasion already.
As a result, one would expect Newcastle to really feel the benefit towards the end of the season, and given the size of their squad, there is a chance they could take the cup competitions very seriously in order to keep good players playing games, as well as creating the great atmosphere that comes a from a strong showing in the cups.
Newcastle will be hoping to keep their good run going at Loftus Road this evening where they take on Queens Park Rangers.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
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