OPINION
Newcastle United fans were brought back to earth with a resounding bump after Christmas day, with a thrashing at the hands of Liverpool reminding the Toon Army just how much quality they are lacking in comparison to their top flight rivals.
Sometimes a 4-0 defeat does not tell the full story of the game but Wednesday’s result was completely reflective of how Newcastle performed against the Reds, second best for the vast majority of the tie and doing very little to threaten Alisson’s goal.
Now the Festive period can often bring some sort of hope with the January transfer window right around the corner and with plenty of rumours circulating about who Newcastle might look to sign in the new year the supporters would have been quietly optimistic over at least one signing making their way to St James’ Park.
However, two very simple words from manager Rafael Benitez will shoot chills down the spines of the Newcastle faithful in what is a seriously worrying statement from the Spaniard.
As quoted by Lee Ryder, in a probe about the possibility of early signings in January Benitez was asked if he had a new arrival lined up for the start of 2019, to which his answer was a simple “No.”
Questioned whether that worried him, he said: “Yes,” and that is a response which should have the Toon Army quaking in their boots for more than one reason.
Rafa asked if a transfer is ready go first week in January: “No.”
Are you worried about that: “Yes” #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) December 26, 2018
If Benitez is worried, it means he is also dissatisfied with how things are progressing behind the scenes and considering his contract is up at the end of the season, it is doing nothing to convince him to pen a new deal.
It also means that Newcastle look to be set to play with the same weak side that are struggling in the Premier League right now and a lack of early business in January is going to leave them sweating about their survival.
This is not what the Toon Army need – and Benitez’s stark statement is going to mean the fans’ discontent is set to remain a while longer.