Rafa Benitez has been speaking to the media today in his weekly press conference ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Crystal Palace to St. James’ Park.
Here are some of the key points to take from the gaffers pre-match presser today:
- Rafa confirms Dwight Gayle is OUT of the game against his former club with a ‘little problem’ with his calf – Haidara is back in training & Dummett remains sidelined
- Benitez admits he wanted to keep Andros Townsend at NUFC but reveals that he left following our relegation last summer because the Premier League is ‘sometimes too attractive for players’.
- He did not play down the importance of this week’s takeover news, but reiterated his desire to focus on matters on the pitch – saying it’s the only thing we can control (Spot on Rafa!).
- He then confirmed he’s spoken to Lee Charnley today about the ‘rumours’ and ‘comments’ on the takeover, but said that was all, stating that Charnley ‘knows his idea’.
- Regarding a potential takeover, Benitez admits the club has ‘massive potential’, but he’s only focusing on three points tomorrow, saying good performances on the pitch will only help attract a potential new buyer.
- Rafa then touched on tomorrow’s opponents Crystal Palace, stating they create chances and have been ‘unlucky’ with results. He feels it will be a ‘difficult’ game and one we must ‘pressure’ them in.
RB: “Haïdara has been training. Still we have Dummett out. Gayle has had a little problem with his calf and is not ready for this game.”
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 20, 2017
Rafa: "I don't need to know all of the details (of a takeover). What I need to know is if Dwight Gayle is available or not!" #NUFC
— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) October 20, 2017
Rafa Benitez on Andros Townsend's decision to leave relegated Newcastle: 'Sometimes the PL is too attractive for players.' #nufc #cpfc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) October 20, 2017
Rafa: "#cpfc create chances & have been unlucky with results. It will be a difficult game – we have to try & put pressure on them" #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) October 20, 2017
Rafa: "We have to focus on getting 3 points. This club has massive potential. If we do well on pitch, it is easier to attract people" #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) October 20, 2017