Saturday 7 October 2017 15:06, UK
Ayoze Perez has heaped praise on manager Rafa Benitez following Newcastle's positive start to life back in the Premier League.
The Magpies secured an immediate return to the top flight under Benitez last season, winning the Sky Bet Championship, and currently sit ninth in the Premier League, having won three of their opening seven matches.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Spanish forward said: "We're doing really well. The start to the season has been hard as we've needed to adapt ourselves to this league.
"But we've still done really well, we're ninth in the table and we're playing good football, that's the most important thing.
"Under Rafa, we're doing a great job, so we're happy with that."
Perez has been an ever-present for Newcastle in the Premier League this season, but is still yet to find the back of the net.
Despite this, the 24-year-old says he remains full of confidence and believes his positivity stems from his relationship with Benitez.
"My relationship with Rafa has been brilliant, I've learned a lot from him. To be honest, I always try and improve myself, but under Rafa you're always going to improve," he added.
"It's been a great start to the season, he's given me a lot of confidence, which is important for a player. I'm feeling really good on the pitch."
Perez also refused to deny claims of a training ground bust-up between team-mates Jamaal Lascelles and Mohamed Diame.
Reports in the national press on Saturday suggested midfielder Jonjo Shelvey suffered a fractured hand in his attempts to split up the alleged altercation.
"Well, I am not going to comment about that. It is something that happens in every English team," Perez said.
"We have a great dressing room and a great spirit. It's nothing important. We have a lot of desire to improve and we have a lot of commitment."
