Rafa Benitez has sent a rallying call to his Newcastle United players ahead of tomorrow’s crucial encounter with Southampton, urging them to ‘give the fans something to cheer about’ in a bid to get the crowd going at St James’ Park.
Benitez praises the ‘fantastic’ NUFC fans who he feels are ‘always behind the team’, however he realises the importance of the players doing their bit to keep the St James’ Park faithful in full voice.
Here’s what he’s had to say to his squad and the anxious NUFC supporters ahead of tomorrow’s big game at the bottom:
“My message is always clear to the fans – they are fantastic & always behind the team.
“My message to the players is to give the fans something to cheer. Our idea against any team, no matter who, is to attack – but it’s about taking our chances”
Benitez has got it spot on here. As fans we arrive at every game with the desire to get behind the team, but it sometimes takes that extra push from the players to create that 12th-man atmosphere inside St James’ Park – and Rafa clearly realises the importance of that.
Whether it be closing down, winning our battles, or a show of attacking intent, a good start tomorrow feels key. An early goal would be massive and Rafa knows how important it will be to take our chances in this one.
So, the players have been warned to do their bit, but let’s be positive and passionate as fans tomorrow. Creating a bear-pit atmosphere could be the difference in tomorrow’s six-pointer with Southampton.
Let’s hope the boys deliver.
