Rafa Benitez has been speaking to the media today in his weekly pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Old Trafford.
Here are some of the key points to take from Rafa’s pre-match presser today:
- Rafa has confirmed that Christian Atsu and Jamaal Lascelles are both OUT of tomorrow’s game. The skipper has failed to recover from an ankle problem sustained against Bournemouth, whilst Atsu could be out for several weeks with a thigh injury.
- The gaffer also stated that this game will come too soon for Mikel Merino and Paul Dummett. Both are stepping up their recovery from injuries and are training again however, which is a positive sign for the weeks ahead.
- Rafa admits that whilst injuries to first-team players is ‘bad news’, he insists the players that will play instead ‘will do well’.
- In response to our recent result he said: “We are a newly-promoted club that needs to settle down in the Premier League. To lose games is part of the process and hopefully we can stop that this weekend.”
- He admits that he’s in touch with Lee Charnley “two or three times a week”, but has no update on a takeover and insists on his wish to focus on football.
- Benitez gave an emphatic response when asked about a takeover saying: “The information I have is that we will play tomorrow at Man Utd. We have to concentrate on our football, that is it.”.
- Rafa admits Mourinho is a good manager, but says his concern is not with him, but the talented player in his team.
- Benitez has not only identified Lukaku as a threat tomorrow, but has also admitted to being wary of Mata, Rashford, Martial, stating Mkhitaryan is an ‘amazing player’ too.
? Watch Rafa Benítez's pre-@ManUtd media briefing in full on NUFC TV now.
? View for free: https://t.co/oVkMDqeI9f #NUFC pic.twitter.com/xQaUCax9YS
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 17, 2017
Rafa on injuries: "Lascelles & Atsu are both out. Atsu is out for at least a week. Jamaal might be back next week but we will see."
Dummett is also closer to a return. Merino will train more next week too #NUFC #mufc— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) November 17, 2017
Paul Dummett's 'getting closer' to a comeback, according to Rafa Benitez. He's now back in full training. #nufc #manutd
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) November 17, 2017
Rafa: "I am in contact with Lee Charnley two or three times a week. No update on the takeover. What I know is that we must concentrate on our football, that is it" #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) November 17, 2017
Rafa on Mourinho: "We play vs #MUFC. It is not key who the managers are. He is a good manager who has won a lot. I'm more concerned about Lukaku, Mata & Rashford". Says would be willing to have a post-match drink with "any manager" too. #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) November 17, 2017
RB when asked about a potential sale of the club: “The information I have is that we will play tomorrow at @ManUtd. We have to concentrate on our football, that is it.” #NUFC pic.twitter.com/zRDu1jBDqM
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 17, 2017
