Rafa Benitez sets sights on 40 points for Newcastle and Premier League safety… not top four
Newcastle United boss is keen to keep a lid on rising expectations for the Magpies in the Premier League this season
FORGET the top four — Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez says 40 will be his magic number this season.
The Toon’s impressive start to life back in the top flight has got fans dreaming of the Champions League.
But Benitez, who takes his team to fellow Premier League new-boys Brighton today, is keen to keep a lid on rising expectations.
And the Spaniard has revealed he has been busy checking the points tally required to beat the DROP.
Benitez said: “People are talking about the Champions League and all these things, but we are realistic. I think 40 points is a guarantee that you will stay up — maybe even less. I know that’s the figure because I’ve been checking the numbers.”
Newcastle head to the Amex looking for a fourth straight victory, safe in the knowledge that no team to post three wins from their first five games has ever been relegated from the Prem.
Benitez said: “We have been called the surprise package so far and for me it’s much better to be the surprise package than to be at the bottom.
“We know it’s a matter of time before we lose some games, but if we can delay that as long as we can, all the better. It’s important to try to keep the momentum we’ve got and I think we can compete against anyone.
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“It’s vital for us to make sure we continue with the same mentality. The message has to remain the same — keep going and keep working hard.
“We know our potential. The longer you can stay at the top of the table it means you’re guaranteed you’ll stay in the division. It’s a long season.”
After victory at Swansea on their last away trek courtesy of skipper Jamaal Lascelles’ winner, Newcastle fans face a near 700-mile round trip on a Sunday for the second straight away game due to the demands of TV.
Benitez sympathises with supporters as they head for the south coast — and hopes a win will help ease the monotony of motorway life.
He added: “It’s good being on TV so everybody can watch the game, but the bad news is that our fans have to go there and come back late.
“They want to follow the team and hopefully we can give them something to smile about on the way back.
“These two trips maybe are the longest of the season so it’s a pity they’ve been moved. But if we win I think they will be happy.”
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