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Rafael Benitez has urged Newcastle United fans to come together ahead of the club’s clash with Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Magpies are currently 15th in the table, but they are without a win in their last five games as they prepare to travel to Stamford Bridge, and the Spaniard has moved to quell any fan disunity.
What’s the word?
Newcastle are enduring a testing period under the management of Benitez, and are in very real danger of being sucked into the relegation battle raging below them.
Though currently ensconced in the relative safety of 15th, they are just two points clear of 18th-placed Southampton.
And their recent form has given supporters little to cheer about – since a 1-0 win over Huddersfield on December 15, Newcastle have lost to Liverpool and Manchester United, and drawn with Fulham, Watford and Blackburn Rovers, the latter coming in the FA Cup.
Benitez, though, believes they can only steady the ship if the fans are behind them.
He said, per Chronicle Live: ”We have to realise where we are and we have to realise the only way forward is to stay united.
“We can’t waste too much energy. The idea last year when we were back in the Premier League was to be united. You have to realise that this is a big city and massive club.
“The reality is when we stick together and we are united, we are stronger. That happened in the Championship and last year when we finished 10th.
“We have to stick together as it is a long distance race. We have to carry on.”
Mistrust reigns supreme at Newcastle
Newcastle fans are right to be wary of false promises.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with a potential takeover, with former Manchester United and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon reportedly fronting a consortium bidding to buy the club from Mike Ashley.
Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…
But there have been no signings this month and a deal for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron is reported to be in serious doubt due to his demands of a £100,000-per-week wage packet.
Results on the pitch have done nothing to cheer the St James’ Park faithful; they have won just four games this season and are the second-lowest scorers in the league, only behind rock-bottom Huddersfield Town.
A win over Chelsea would do the club the world of good and Benitez is correct in his assertion that they need the support of their fans if they are to collect all three points this weekend.
