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We'll have to be physically strong - Benítez
Written by Rory Mitchinson
Rafa Benítez believes his Newcastle United side will have to be “physically strong” if they are to pick up their first win of the Premier League campaign against Cardiff City on Saturday.
The Magpies travel to South Wales on the back of last week’s opening-day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park, with Dele Alli’s goal settling a closely-fought encounter in the Tyneside sunshine.
Cardiff, meanwhile – promoted as runners-up to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship last term – lost 2-0 to AFC Bournemouth on their return to the top flight.
With a raucous crowd anticipated, Benítez acknowledged that his troops will likely have to put their bodies on the line against Neil Warnock’s side, though the Spaniard is hopeful that the Magpies’ additional year in the Premier League will work in their favour.
“Cardiff are very strong physically, and I’m sure (the fans) will try to create a good atmosphere,” he said. “We know it has to be like this. We have to be physically strong enough to cope with them, and at the same time, try to play good football and try to (use) the advantage of our experience in the Premier League.
“I think we know, when you have experience in any competition, you expect a good atmosphere for the local team in the first game at home. But, we know it’s like this – we just have to stay calm and do the things you are doing normally when you play at home.”
With the transfer window having closed, the last seven days have been devoid of incoming transfer speculation on Tyneside, something which has come as a relief to Benítez.
However, while definitively saying that no player on the cusp of the starting XI will be on their way out, the Magpies’ boss suggested that one or two of those on the fringe may yet depart prior to the end of the month.
“We were talking about that – to finish the transfer window before the season – and it is good news for us,” he said. “Still, some players, they can go abroad or to the Championship on loan, but it’s not a big issue for us. We can concentrate on football and that is the most important thing for me.
“Two or three players who are not playing too much, they can go on loan. We are trying to find a good solution for them and for us. Senior players that are playing normally or are in the starting line-up or the squad, they cannot go – no chance.”
"We have to be physically strong enough to cope with them, and at the same time, try to play good football and try to (use) the advantage of our experience in the Premier League."