Newcastle can move into the top six with victory over Burnley
Victory at Burnley tonight would take the Magpies into the top six but the Newcastle manager is already preparing for a tough winter period when their top flight credentials will be put to the test.
“Our players have more confidence now because we are doing well but we’re not saying ‘ooh, we have 14 points and we are fine,’” he said.
“If you approach a season thinking about having to survive then you will be down there fighting to survive, so you have to approach it trying to finish as high as possible.
“I am not saying we have to finish eighth, ninth, 10th or whatever but now we’re in a good position, it’s about trying to go higher.”
Benitez accepts the fixture list has been kind to his newly-promoted side and believes it will not be until the New Year that the real picture emerges.
He said: “We will look at it again in January because by then, we will have played all the top sides and you will be exactly where you are for a reason.
“People might point out we haven’t played City, United or Arsenal so it might be different which is why I’m not going to start saying ‘oh, we’re amazing’.
“In January, you might be telling me ‘you’ve lost five in a row and are a disaster’.”
Burnley defender Stephen Ward has revealed Sean Dyche is a tough taskmaster on the training ground but the club’s players would be distraught if he left.
Dyche has been linked with the Everton manager’s job after Ronald Koeman was sacked a week ago.
During his career Ward has worked under managers for club and country who like to crack the whip such as Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane.
Although the 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international reckons Dyche is a sterner prospect.
“Training is up there with the toughest I’ve had,” said Ward. “I really enjoy it and I’m probably as fit as I’ve felt in my career. It took me about two or three weeks to get used to it. It’s the same with everyone, they can’t believe the fitness of the squad and how hard we work.
“We pride ourselves on it and the way we work gives us the best chance of getting results.
“You never hear anyone moaning about it because you know if you want to play in a Sean Dyche team you have to work hard.
“It’d be a blow to lose him, of course. It’s down to the club and the manager himself. If he stays it’ll be great for us.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
