Newcastle United moved three points clear at the top of the Championship on Saturday.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has told the Chronicle it is very important they maintain the high confidence currently enveloping the squad.
The Magpies are currently top of the Championship table after the first 13 games of the campaign.
They extended their lead to three points on Saturday afternoon with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ipswich Town at St James’ Park.
The win was their fifth consecutive victory in the league and their sixth win in seven games in all competitions.
It means that confidence is currently sky high at the club and Benitez says it is very important for them to keep that going.
“It is really important to keep the confidence high,” he told the Chronicle.
“But the only way is by working hard (on the pitch) because the only way you will get more chances is if you work for it and play well.
“You will get more chances to keep winning. We know that every game will be difficult and have to be sure that the next one will be very tough and we have to be ready.”
The Magpies now turn their attention to the EFL Cup when they host fellow Championship team Preston North End on Tuesday evening.
They will face a tough game against Simon Grayson’s team, who were in impressive form on Saturday as they beat Norwich City at Carrow Road.
A place in the quarter-finals of the competition is up for grabs for both teams and Benitez had admitted he will have to ensure his side are competing in what will be a tough game.
“Now we have another important game on Tuesday,” he added.
“It will be tough because we know that Preston North End is doing well. So we have to be sure that players continue competing and when they come in they do well.”
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