Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has claimed that the next two matches for his side are ‘massive’, and that every game is ‘like a final’.
He said every point could make a massive difference and said that is why “I was so upset against Wolves”.
The Magpies travel to Huddersfield on Saturday before hosting Fulham the weekend after. Both sides are currently in the relegation zone, with the Terriers just three points behind the Toon Army.
The Spaniard was quick to quash any suggestions that his side are favourites in either match.
As quoted in the Chronicle, he said: “Since the last two windows, I don’t think we are favourites against anyone. Am I confident we can beat anyone? Yes – but still we have to work hard to do it.”
He added: “For us, every game is like a final. We have to approach every game thinking one point could make a massive difference.
“That is why I was so upset against Wolves. It makes it so much more difficult for us when you have these decisions. The next two games are massive.”
OPINION
Benitez’s frankness is entirely justified, if not a little concerning. His Newcastle side are fully embroiled in a relegation dogfight despite their position in the league table, and Spaniard is right to suggest that their next two matches are huge. If they win they could ease some of the mounting pressure on their shoulders, but if they lose, the results recorded in November will feel like a distant memory. January is surely going to be key to the Magpies’ hopes of survival, and fans will be hoping that promises of financial backing in the transfer market are actually kept. If they’re not it could be a very unhappy new year for the Toon Army. Wins against Huddersfield and Fulham – both more than beatable sides – would not only provide six points but a much needed boost in confidence before the very real threat of significant January blues kick in on Tyneside.