[ad_pod ]
Rafael Benitez has urged his Newcastle United side to stay grounded as they fight to avoid relegation.
The Magpies beat Burnley 2-0 on Tuesday evening to move seven points clear of the drop zone, but the Spaniard is taking nothing for granted.
What’s the word?
Newcastle have been on a good run of form lately, going unbeaten in their last three outings, against Wolves, Huddersfield Town and the Clarets.
Their latest win sees them move closer to 10th than 18th, but Benitez insists that his players cannot rest on their laurels now.
He told reporters, per The Independent: “Obviously winning games, you have more confidence and then the pressure is different, but still we have to have the same idea: one game at a time, the next game is the most important.
“If we are where we are now, it’s because we are focused on that and we have to do exactly the same. We cannot think the job is done, no chance.
“There’s no over-confidence. We have to keep going – we can lose games, but we have to approach every game with the same mentality as today.”
A timely reminder
Form can easily fluctuate in the Premier League and Benitez is correct in his assertion that Newcastle have to treat every game as though it is a relegation six-pointer.
His side have been impressive in recent weeks but defeats can easily sap morale.
Indeed, winning games is a habit that few teams can master, as losing is far easier.
With games against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool still to come this season, caution is advisable and Benitez is right to be wary of a slide down the table.
A reality check being issued, then, can only be a good thing.