Rafa Benitez not concerned by Newcastle United's losing streak
Friday 24 November 2017 15:24, UK
Rafa Benitez has called for some perspective regarding Newcastle's losing run ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Watford.
The Magpies have suffered three successive defeats to drop to 11th in the table but Benitez believes his young squad have so far exceeded expectations in their first season back in the top flight.
"Obviously it's important to start winning games, and we have the opportunity to put things right [against Watford]," said the Spaniard.
"But my message is very clear. At the end of the transfer window no-one would have expected us to be where we are at the moment.
"I'm disappointed because maybe the Bournemouth game could be different but we have to be more consistent for 90 minutes. We did really well against Manchester United but just for 30 minutes.
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"We have to make sure we improve and do it for 90."
Rafael Benitez had no further update on the club's takeover at Friday's press conference.
Reports circulated this week that Amanda Staveley has made a £300million bid for the club, although Sky sources understand she wants to insert a relegation compensation clause in the deal.
"I'm watching Sky, seeing the news, that is it," said Benitez.
"The players don't talk about that. I was just talking to three players and we spoke about the Europa League, what games we were watching.
"We cannot change anything. We have to concentrate on the performance of the team."
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Despite the uncertainty surrounding the reported takeover, Benitez says it is not affecting his plans for the upcoming transfer window.
"January is always quite difficult. The last thing you will be asking for is the price," he said.
"Even if you have a change of ownership we don't know if we will have money or not because of financial fair play rules. They don't allow you to spend too much money.
"We are just looking for good players, better than the players we have."
