Friday 15 September 2017 16:26, UK
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez says he shouted instructions from his sofa as he recovered from a hernia operation.
Benitez returns to the bench for the game against Stoke on Saturday after missing Sunday's 1-0 win at Swansea.
The Spaniard admitted he found himself taking notes and shouting at his TV but said his time off was made easier after positive reports from his backroom staff.
He said: "We won so everything is fine and I'm here talking, so it is good. I was trying to come back but I was not feeling well. I was in contact with my staff and they told me everything is in place.
"I was on the sofa taking notes and shouting. I was confident because the staff were telling me everything was going according to plan."
Newcastle go into Saturday's game at St James' Park looking for a third successive win after captain Jamaal Lascelles scored the only goal in the victory in south Wales last weekend.
It would be the first time since November 2014 that Newcastle have won three games in a row in the Premier League and Benitez believes his side are capable of beating anyone.
"Jamaal (Lascelles) was saying we have set the standard. Every player has to work hard and we can win against anyone if we do what we have done.
"I think it's important to stay calm when things are right or when they are not. It is three points and another opportunity to do well. We have to be sure we don't have overconfidence."
Benitez also confirmed that talks are underway with captain Lascelles over a new deal.
