Rafa Benitez hails Newcastle's focus in Huddersfield win after pre-match warning
Saturday 31 March 2018 19:05, UK
Rafa Benitez praised his Newcastle side's focus in a crucial win over Huddersfield - after revealing he had fired a pre-match warning.
Ayoze Perez scored the game's lone goal 10 minutes from time but Newcastle were guilty of spurning a string of chances before the breakthrough came.
Victory against their relegation rivals lifts the Magpies seven points clear of the drop zone to 12th in the table but Benitez admitted he had needed words with his players after fearing they were too "relaxed".
Benitez, who took his side to a training camp in Spain during the international break, said: "This week, we were training really well - apart from yesterday. I was not very happy because they were a little bit relaxed.
"We were talking a little bit, but the good thing about this team is they understand and they care, so as soon as we were talking (on Friday), but especially (on Saturday), I knew from the way that they were talking between themselves that they were really focused."
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Benitez said he believed his team were good value for all three points but urged his players to maintain their standards as the oft-cited 40-point survival mark looms.
Asked if he thought his side were worthy winners, he told Sky Sports: "I think so. The team were working really hard. We were creating chances.
"It's important to win away as well as home but to win three at home, the fans are delighted. They know it's even more important when you're playing against teams around you.
"It's not enough (breathing space). We are happy but 40 points is the target, so we have to carry on."
The Spaniard praised the "composure" of Chelsea loanee Kenedy in assisting what proved the matchwinner and also declared himself happy with the cameo appearance of striker Islam Slimani, who made a long-awaited debut following a thigh injury.
"We needed some energy and he was challenging and working hard," Benitez added. "To have this competition up front is really positive for the team."
