Shearer says: “Rafa is happy with how things are going, he’s loving life at Newcastle”
Published:
Coral ambassador Alan Shearer recently spoke exclusively to us regarding his former club Newcastle United, with the all-time Premier League goalscorer voicing his thoughts on the Toon’s Championship season so far.
The Magpies endured a stuttering start in their opening two games, losing to both Fulham and Huddersfield Town, but they have managed to bounce back under the guidance of former Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez.
Ahead of Newcastle’s latest second tier outing against Brentford on Saturday, Shearer shared his opinion on what has gone on so far at St James’ Park and looks ahead to this upcoming encounter.
Watch the video below to get all of Alan’s thoughts and insights, while we have also picked out his best quotes to enjoy.
“There are teams in the Championship that will push them”
When asked about how the campaign is currently going, Shearer said: “There’s a feel-good factor, they’re happy with the way the season is going. It was a tough start with the first two league games, a baptism of fire, but Rafa has them going in the right direction.
“I think what the early season has proved to everyone is that it’s not going to be a walk in the park for Newcastle, there are teams in the Championship that will push them and it is one hell of a long, hard slog.”
Moving onto the club’s future goals, Shearer said he had a chat with Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez recently and admitted the Spaniard is loving life on Tyneside and is relishing the Championship challenge.
“Rafa is reasonably happy with the way things are going, he’s loving life in Newcastle and, hopefully, long may that continue,” added Shearer.
“He’s confident in his players”
“He, like everybody else, knows the aim is to get back in the Premier League this season, not next season, this season.
“They’re on track to do that, he knows it’s a long, hard slog, but he’s confident in his players. He’s got a group of players he feels he can work with and improve and they will improve.
“A lot of the players have not played in at atmosphere like St James’ Park before so once they realise and understand what it’s like then they’ll improve and get better from Christmas onwards.”
Related
Head on over to the Shearer says archive for a whole host of exclusive interviews with Alan.
