Rafa Benítez calls for unity ahead of tough trip to Stamford Bridge

As is the norm during a transfer window at Newcastle United, Rafa Benítez faced questions on transfers and potential takeovers in his pre-match press conference ahead of a tough trip to Stamford Bridge to face Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea side on Saturday. 

Benítez, who has openly aired his concerns on the clubs lack of transfer activity in the past, chose to refuse to comment and instead called for unity amongst his players, staff and fans-

“I will not talk about the transfer window, I will not talk about names & I will not talk about the takeover. We are wasting energy on these things, but we need to focus on the game. I could say it’s a difficult window like other managers, but I prefer not to”

“I am not [downbeaten]at the moment. It’s a big city & a big club. But when we stick together and are united we are better. The reality is that we have to stick together until the end. We have to carry on fighting, we will have problems, but we will do it”

Benítez had some positive news ahead of the game, informing the press that Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez were both now fit to play. 

Newcastle look set to play three at the back against Chelsea this weekend, as they now have Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune fit and available. They are however without Paul Dummett, playmaker Jonjo Shelvey and Kenedy, who is ineligible as he is on loan from Chelsea. 

The issues at Newcastle have been well publicised over the years. Back in October 2018 Prost International discussed whether Rafa Benítez has been short changed in his time at Newcastle.