Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has revealed Newcastle have had to cope with the unexpected when facing opponents this season due to the fact opposition players seem to make an extra effort when facing the Magpies.
At his pre-match press conference for tonight’s match against Preston North End, the Spaniard explained how he has scouted teams this season, only for them to run more and work harder when facing his side. He is quoted by the Chronicle as saying:
“‘Oh Newcastle United – it’s the most important game of the season!’ Then they run more than you’d expect them to. I have watched videos of their other games and then they play against us and go faster and run more metres. We are used to that. We must cope with it too.”
A win tonight, against a side that the Magpies have already beaten twice this season, would secure promotion back to the Premier League. Third place Reading are six points behind with two games to go while Huddersfield Town are one point further back but have a game in hand, meaning they could reach 87 points still.
A victory would however put any lingering doubts of being caught to bed, and it will certainly offer the Newcastle players all the motivation they need to perform this evening.
