Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez looking to positives despite 3-2 Norwich defeat

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez insists his side can take positives from their display despite losing 3-2 at relegation rivals Norwich on Saturday.

Benitez's side fell behind twice at Carrow Road, with Aleksandar Mitrovic levelling the game on both occasions, before Martin Olsson struck a stoppage-time winner for the home team.

And the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss believed that, despite their defeat, his side showed great resolve in getting back into the game twice.

"The first half we didn't play well but the reaction of the team in the second half was pretty good," Benitez told Sky Sports. "We were pushing and with the two goals we scored I thought we could win the game.

"But we made a mistake and conceded another goal and it's disappointing at this stage of the season and in this situation. 

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"But we have to think of the positives, the reaction of the team was a positive and there are seven games to play."

Defeat leaves Newcastle second bottom of the Premier League table, six points behind Norwich in 17th, with time running out to save their top-flight status.

But Benitez insists his side are not looking at the Premier League table and simply taking their fight for survival one game at a time.

"It's one game at a time so we cannot see the table," he said. "We have to think about Southampton then try and improve and get ready for the next game and try to get three points in the next one.

"I told the players after the game the only way is to keep pushing and keep working hard and we can do it."