Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden believes manager Rafa Benitez should have been given more credit for how he rebuilt the Magpies’ squad last summer.
Hayden was among twelve new signings while a group of 20 players, including Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum, were sold over the close season. The 22 year old told the Chronicle Rafa’s achievement of gelling so many new players in such a short space of time has been underestimated by many:
“I think it’s been a little bit underestimated how good a job he has done because it’s difficult as a manager to get arguably a whole new squad. He’s got 12 new players in, he’s lost players who were important last season for the club, or termed ‘big players’, and he’s got the right characters back into the club.”
“Everyone wanted to do well and work hard. It’s not easy to gel and especially to get the formation and tactics right, but everyone has worked hard, and it’s credit to the manager and the staff.”
Although a less sizeable recruitment drive is expected this summer, it has been reported that Benitez will still seek up to eight new players in order to strengthen Newcastle’s squad for the rigours of the Premier League.
The club’s transfer plans have been put in motion as early as possible so the Magpies boss is able to work with a full squad of players in training to prepare for the challenges that the club will face next season.
