Rafa Warns Of "Extra-Motivated" City

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Rafa Benitez has warned that his Newcastle United side will come up against "extra-motivated" teams in the Championship season.

The Magpies head to Bristol City on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off) looking to build on Wednesday night's 4-1 victory over Reading at St. James' Park.

Lee Johnson's Robins have won three of their four fixtures so far this season.

And while Benitez says he's happy to see his opposite number excelling in just his third managerial role, the Spanish boss believes that the trip to Ashton Gate will prove particularly challenging for his new-look side.

"I think that we know that we will play against teams that will be extra-motivated. They are doing well, so they have confidence, and we know it will be tough," he said. "Every game here in the Championship is tough, but this one now is especially tough.

"We need to make sure that we are ready - it doesn't matter which game - and we are ready right now.

"I'm really pleased to see a new manager and young manager doing so well like he is doing at the moment. We can chat, we can talk, but the first thing will be try to win, and after that we can talk about anything."

Dwight Gayle's brace, along with strikes from fellow summer recruits Isaac Hayden and Matt Ritchie, sealed the win over the Royals in midweek.

Benitez made some alterations to his line-up on Wednesday, bringing in the likes of Ciaran Clark, Yoan Gouffran and Ritchie, while defender Paul Dummett was handed the captain's armband.

And the Magpies boss said that while he hopes that result can act as a catalyst for further success, he won't be afraid to shuffle his pack again as the season continues.

"It's always important to win, and to win and score four goals is even more important. Hopefully it can be the first of a lot," he said.

"(If we had lost) three in a row, we'd be more nervous, but we have won, and everybody is more relaxed. Normally they would train really well, but now, after winning, you can see that they have more confidence.

"I like to change players because you need to do it when you play two games a week. You have to change players, because they will have some problems, some knocks or they will be tired. I think it's important to send a message to our players that all of them will be important and all of them can take part in any game.

"The explanation is simple - you have players tired, players that are maybe injured, but the main thing is that if they are doing well, you can keep players playing more games in a row. But everyone needs to know what they have to do."