Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez believes it is harder for relegated teams to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking than some would believe.
Both Norwich City and Aston Villa have found life tough in the Championship despite coming down with Newcastle at the end of last season, and even though both clubs have spent money like the Magpies, both are out of the promotion picture while Benitez’s side sit top of the Championship table.
Speaking to the Shields Gazette, Benitez explained that settled Championship teams have a better chance of succeeding rather than sides that have had to totally change their squads after relegation:
“The teams at the top of the Championship now, they needed two or three players in to their squads, and their players are settled. They know the division. When you are relegated and you have to change half of the squad maybe the best players will leave because you have to sell them. Then some will not be good enough. You find you may have to bring in 10 to 15 players, or half a squad.”
Norwich City sacked their manager Alex Neil last week with the Canaries lying ninth in the table, eight points off the playoffs, while Villa, having spent over £30m net this season, find themselves 12th and 14 points off the top six heading into the last nine matches.
