Newcastle United are third in the Championship after the first 11 games, just three points behind leaders Huddersfield.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has said his players must understand that their position in the starting XI is not safe, even if they are playing well, during an interview with The Chronicle.
The Magpies have had a promising start to their Championship campaign, sitting in third place with 22 points, with only Norwich and Huddersfield above them. During the opening 11 games, we have seen Benitez rotate his side, chopping and changing as the games come thick and fast, and the Spaniard has told his players that they need to understand his method.
“We have to create an atmosphere where it’s a squad game,” Benitez told The Chronicle. “It’s not just the 11 players or 15 players on match days. We know that we will play a lot of games and in a short amount of time.
“Players have to understand that even if they are playing well somebody else can come in and do well for the team.”
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss has had no problem with changing his starting XI each week, and at times players that have done well in black and white have still found themselves on the bench soon after.
The most recent example is that of Matt Ritchie. The Scot has been one of Newcastle’s top performers this season after his summer move from Bournemouth, but he found himself on the bench for the trip to Rotherham. Instead, Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu started in his place and scored the winner, showing the depth in Benitez’s squad.
Jamaal Lascelles is another player that has fallen victim to Rafa’s rotation. Despite being named captain of the club, the 22-year-old endured a rocky start to the season, and then found himself on the bench, showing that no one is untouchable in this Newcastle squad.
So far, Benitez’s players appear to have bought into his rotation policy, and that will be pivotal to Newcastle being successful this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
