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Rafa "Flattered" By Fans' Support
Written by Newcastle Utd
Rafa Benitez has thanked Newcastle United fans for their support, ahead of Sunday's Premier League finale
By Dominic Scurr
Rafa Benitez has thanked Newcastle United fans for their support, ahead of Sunday's Premier League finale against Tottenham Hotspur at St. James' Park (3pm kick-off).
After suffering relegation from the English top flight earlier this week, a decision regarding the Magpies boss' future has yet to be made.
However, Benitez's short-term focus is on ending a "very disappointing" season with a win against a Spurs side looking to secure a club record second-placed Premier League finish.
"My priority is tomorrow against Tottenham," explained the manager.
"We still have one more game to play, so we have to be as professional as well can be and do things the right way.
"It's very disappointing considering how hard we had been working and fighting but now we have to accept what has happened and look ahead."
Benitez has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Sunday's clash. Club captain Fabricio Coloccini (calf) remains sidelined along with Massadio Haidara (knee) and goalkeepers Tim Krul (knee) and Rob Elliot (knee).
And the former Real Madrid manager revealed he intends to field a competitive side, even though a win cannot change the Magpies' fate.
"We have trained well the last two or three days, considering the circumstances," Benitez continued.
"We want to do well for the fans, so we have to be fair in the team selection.
"When I decided to come here it was because I knew it was a massive club with massive support from the fans.
"I am really flattered with the fans, they have been amazing but at the moment we have to make sure we prepare properly for tomorrow's game and try to do the best for everyone.
"I am a professional and what you hope for as a professional is respect and people to appreciate your job and here it has been fantastic.
"(The fans) are the reason why I am sat here and why I am positive and keeping an open mind about the future.
"As I said, I'm really happy and impressed by the fans and I think that tomorrow they will still show appreciation and we will try will do well for them."