Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles is confident that Newcastle United will preserve their Premier League status beyond the current campaign. The centre-back, who has been influential towards the Magpies’ upturn in form, believes the presence of Rafael Benitez gives the squad the added confidence over their relegation rivals.
The Magpies are currently just two points clear of the relegation zone after throwing away a two-goal lead against Bournemouth in the final 10 minutes of the game. Despite that, Newcastle’s form has vastly improved over the past few weeks, and a victory over Manchester United earlier in the month has given the club fresh belief in their relegation battle.
Continue reading Jamaal Lascelles confident Newcastle United will beat the drop
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Rafael Benitez waiting on Chelsea’s decision on Kenedy
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly waiting on Chelsea’s decision on Kenedy as he looks to bolster the club’s defence during the winter transfer window. The Brazilian has sparingly been used by Antonio Conte this term with most of his gametime coming in the Cup competitions.
According to Chronicle Live, Benitez is looking to do business with his former club with Kenedy identified as a potential recruit, who could strengthen their chances of Premier League survival. However, any kind of deal is yet to be sorted out with the Blues with Conte reluctant to lose Kenedy for the moment.
Continue reading Rafael Benitez waiting on Chelsea’s decision on Kenedy
Pogba Must Show a Lot of Consistency to Match Gerrard, Claims Benitez
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba must show a lot of consistency over several years in order to be regarded in the same breath as Steven Gerrard, according to Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard had years of experience of managing the Liverpool midfielder, who is arguably one of the best in the Premier League of the recent generation. Paul Pogba may have joined United for a then-world record £ 90 million transfer fee, but he has split public opinion since then. There have been good performances from the Frenchman, but they have been for a few between.
In order to be regarded as a success in the Premier league, consistency is the key, according to Benitez. After having spent a couple of years at ways clubs like Napoli, Benitez returned to English football with Newcastle. Despite relegation from the top division, Benitez helped the club get promotion straight away. Since the return to the top flight, Newcastle have been relatively comfortable but the team lost 4-1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford. It turned out to be with customary defeat at the hands of the Red Devils – even with Benitez on board. During his days at Liverpool, Benitez had an intense rivalry with United. It was largely due to the title challenge that both teams were facing. Now, however, both clubs are at different ends of the spectrum.
Continue reading Pogba Must Show a Lot of Consistency to Match Gerrard, Claims Benitez
Rafael Benitez sets his target for Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has set his sights on Premier League survival following back-to-back defeats versus Burnley and Bournemouth. The Magpies made a swift start on their top-flight return, and they were at one stage sixth in the Premier League standings. However, recent 1-0 defeats to Burnley and Bournemouth has dropped them to 11th in the standings, and Benitez is now focused on his job of avoiding relegation.
He said: “My message very simple, especially after losing. My message has to be clearer and stronger: just stick together. It’s very simple and very clear. We were relegated two years ago, then we were promoted, which was a massive achievement to do it first time. Now we must realise the target is to stay in the Premier League, be sure that we are strong enough to do that.”
Continue reading Rafael Benitez sets his target for Newcastle United
Jamie Carragher believes Rafa Benitez will leave Newcastle United soon
Liverpool legend-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher believes Rafa Benitez is unlikely to remain in-charge at Newcastle United for a lengthy period of time.
The Spanish manager took over the managerial reigns in the final months of the 2015/16 campaign but was unable to keep them in the Premier League.
Despite this, he penned a fresh three-year contract with the Tyneside outfit with owner Mike Ashley assuring him that he would spend every penny from his pocket to rebuild the squad. The Magpies have since returned to the top-flight via their 2016/17 Championship winning campaign, but there are still uncertainties over Benitez’s stay at St. James’ Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday Night Football, Carragher said: “If I’m being totally honest, I don’t expect to see Rafa Benitez at Newcastle over a sustained, long period of time. I think eventually something will happen with him and the owner and unfortunately for Newcastle this is not going to be a happy and long marrige. So enjoy it while he’s here.”
Benitez and Ashley are said to have developed a strained relationship in recent months after the Spaniard felt he was not supported enough in the transfer market. The Magpies could not negotiate deals for their preferred targets during the summer transfer window, and this appears to have frustrated the former Liverpool boss. Continue reading Jamie Carragher believes Rafa Benitez will leave Newcastle United soon
Joselu likens North East fans to Real Madrid supporters
Newcastle United striker Joselu has got fond of the club’s supporters following his £5m move from Stoke City earlier last month.
The former Real Madrid graduate made an instant impact on his home debut last month after he found the scoresheet in the 3-0 win over West Ham United. As a result, the Magpies registered their first points on their top-flight return, and this has eased the pressure on Rafael Benitez, who endured a tough summer transfer window.
Joselu received a standing ovation after being substituted in the Hammers’ triumph last month, and speaking to The Chronicle, he compared the fans to those who supported him at the Bernabeu, he said: “Yes it reminds me of Madrid. All the people in the street in Newcastle love their team too. They love it that we are in the Premier League. It’s a big club, big city, and a big stadium. We have the big players as well so we must do well.”
Following the international break, the Magpies take on Swansea City in the Premier League, and Joselu is likely to find himself leading the line once again due to a suspension for Aleksandar Mitrovic. Newcastle could not get all the transfer targets over the line during the transfer window, but Joselu has urged his teammate to push on after a convincing victory over the Hammers. Continue reading Joselu likens North East fans to Real Madrid supporters
NEWCASTLE OFFER KENEDY REDEMPTION
Newly promoted Premier League side Newcastle United are positive about signing Chelsea and Brazilian youngster Kenedy as one of the couple of squad additions manager Rafa Benitez would so much love to have as he prepares to make sure the Toffees avoid the needless relegation they spent the immediate past season negotiating.
Kenedy joined the Blues from Brazilian outfit Fluminense two years ago and was billed to follow the steps of his countrymen – Ramires and Oscar – even if he plays in a very distinct position – left back – from the duo.
Unfortunately for the 21-year old in the age of internet first, reason later, a slack moment in judgment pushed the Brazilian’s hand to post an Instagram video purportedly deemed to be grossly inappropriate in China. This was during the Blues pre-season Oriental tour.
His follow-up matching orders from the club’s hierarchy itself showed how serious his nonchalance was while Chelsea’s subsequent statement where they particularly pointed out that his behavior “does not represent the entire team and does not align with the club’s high expectations and strict requirements,” reeked of a distancing standpoint a father gives to any of his child unfortunate enough to soil the name of a great House. Continue reading NEWCASTLE OFFER KENEDY REDEMPTION
Siem de Jong determined to prove himself at Newcastle United – agent
Netherlands international Siem de Jong is determined to prove his worth to Newcastle United in pre-season, the player’s representative has revealed.
The 28-year-old joined the Magpies from Ajax back in the summer of 2014 with a view to making himself a regular with a settled Premier League club.
However, his time at Tyneside was shrouded by numerous injuries, and this saw him restricted to just 26 appearances over two seasons with the Magpies being relegated to the second tier of English football.
De Jong was loaned to Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for the previous campaign where he notched six goals in 26 outings, but he is still hopeful of making an impression under Rafael Benitez. The Dutchman claimed last season that his future would be dependent on the Magpies’ Premier League promotion, and now, that they are back in the top-flight, he is prepared to take his chances. Continue reading Siem de Jong determined to prove himself at Newcastle United – agent
ZLATAN GAVE UNITED GOALS PLUS SWAGGER
Alan shearer once decided to choose Blackburn and Newcastle over the likes of Manchester United and he still went on to establish his name as one of the finest goal scorers in the history of the Premier League.
The English man remains one of the very few professionals who had it in them to swagger up no matter what team they found themselves in. to such players talk of acclimatization often seems alien to them.
Although the Red Devils didn’t get their longed jewel, they did enjoy of fair share of a player like him in the person of Eric Catona. The French man arrived from Leeds United to oversee the earliest success of Sir Alex Fergusons fledglings.
Not even Ferguson who never appreciated the show biz side of his wards could put a lid on the French man’s extrovert tendencies. Kicking a fan that led to the lengthy ban of the player who stubbornly insisted in enjoying his time on the pitch with raised collars couldn’t step down the fondness with which the Theatre of Dreams walls still have for him till this day.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is obviously another player cut from the cloth of footballers who are bold enough to wear their ego on their sleeves. Even the earliest of his interviews as a mesmerizing Norseman-like striker has him on tape saying he doesn’t see himself as an ordinary man Continue reading ZLATAN GAVE UNITED GOALS PLUS SWAGGER
CHINESE INVESTORS KEEN ON BUYING NEWCASTLE UNITED
There are reports that newly promoted club Newcastle United could be sold to Chinese investors as current owner Mike Ashley listens to interests.
A Chinese consortium is already looking at acquiring the club so a possible takeover of the Magpiesis not so far away.
The deal could be structured in different ways. The management might remain if the club offers shares for sale in order to keep everything balanced. For now the club are not responding to allegations of a takeover bid. The club used to quickly knock down such rumours but it is now ‘no comment.’
The Chroniclesays the right price would be key if Ashley is to sell the club. Sky Sports says there is a Chinese consortium already available as Ashley considers his options. He bought the club back in 2007 for £134 million. He has given the club interest free loans a few times to help offset shortfalls. Continue reading CHINESE INVESTORS KEEN ON BUYING NEWCASTLE UNITED