Press-conference analysis: Benitez discusses Huddersfield Town, expectation levels and his message

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Rafa Benitez faced the press ahead of Newcastle United’s trip to Huddersfield Town this weekend and his comments have been published on the club’s official website. The Spaniard managed to deliver an impressive tactical display in this fixture last season and his side earned the three points at the John Smith’s Stadium. He will want a similar result on Sunday, but he admits it will be a different challenge.

“They have spent some money, signed around ten players, so they will obviously be a different team to the team of last season,”

The Spaniard has been unhappy by the lack of funds he has been given this summer, but the transfer activity at Huddersfield hasn’t gone unnoticed. It would be easy to look back on last season’s game as an indicator of what will happen this weekend, but Benitez is right to point out that it will be a different Terriers team. Steve Mounie and Tom Ince impressed last weekend. Both will pose problems for Newcastle on Sunday.

It will be billed as a meeting of two newly-promoted teams, but the expectation levels of the two clubs are very different and Benitez reminded the press of that.

“They have nothing to lose. It is their first time in the Premier League, and every fan will realise that Newcastle United are a big club that have to be there, while Huddersfield Town and Brighton (& Hove Albion) are fantastic clubs, but if they stay there then everybody will be over the Moon.”

Newcastle had to deal with greater expectations last season and it won’t be any different during this campaign. Although both clubs will aim for survival first, Benitez will be expected to deliver more if he is to have a successful season. It is an interesting dynamic and by stating that Huddersfield have nothing to lose, it is clear he is fearful of the threat that they pose.

The Magpies’ boss has maintained a consistent message throughout the summer and he has once again delivered that during his pre-match press call.

“We know where we are. The way to move forward is to keep doing our job every day, in every training session, while trying to do something in the market to move players out and move players in. We have to stay calm and keep working hard behind the scenes.”

The Spaniard may not be happy with the transfer dealings, but he still believes that the club can have a good season. To achieve that, every individual needs to be pulling in the same direction. Benitez is telling his players that if they continue to work hard in training and stay committed to the club, the success will come. The opening weekend was disappointing, but as Benitez says, everybody needs to stay calm. Any other mindset will not be helpful.