Tag: Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez admits disappointment after Manchester United defeat

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that it is difficult to take after his side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday. The Magpies shocked the Old Trafford faithful after they picked up a 2-0 lead in the Premier League game after just 10 minutes but they went into the break holding a well-deserved lead.

However, following the interval, United begun to exhibit their dominance and they eventually sealed a sensational comeback with Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, and Alexis Sanchez scoring in the final 20 minutes of the match. Following the game, Benitez admitted his disappointment saying: “It is difficult to take because we did so well.
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Newcastle United acquire their fifth summer signing

Newcastle United have announced their fifth signing of the summer transfer window with Yoshinori Muto joining them from Mainz. The Japan international had agreed to join the Magpies earlier in the week but an announcement was put on hold until he was assured of a work permit to feature for Rafael Benitez’s side.

Muto told the club’s official website: “As the first Japanese Newcastle United player, I am honoured to be a player for such a big club. I hope to achieve good results – that is what I am here to do. I would like to perform well and leave my name in Newcastle’s history.”Meanwhile, manager Rafael Benitez was also pleased with the signing of Muto, who is expected to add more competition upfront, he added: “I am really pleased to have Yoshinori Muto with us. We were following him for quite a while. Hopefully he can bring us his energy and work-rate and help the team to improve and be better for the new season.”
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Rafael Benitez reacts to Fernando Torres speculation

Newcastle United head coach Rafael Benitez has admitted that Fernando Torres could be an attractive summer option for the club, though he is unclear whether the veteran would prefer a return to the Premier League. Torres built a reputation for himself during his top-flight stints with Liverpool and Chelsea, and Benitez had the opportunity to work with the Spaniard at both of those clubs.

In an interview with Marca, Benitez was quizzed about the possibility of a reunion with Torres this summer to which he replied: “I think it will be harder for him to come, not because we don’t want to. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but maybe he is thinking about something else. It would be attractive, but Idon’t think it would be easy. At Liverpool he was sensational. Then he went to Chelsea and, although he had a bad time when he arrived, he was essential for us in winning the Europa League.”
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Jamaal Lascelles confident Newcastle United will beat the drop

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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