Rafa Benitez was never troubled by Newcastle’s awful start, says Magpies winger Matt Ritchie

Rafa Benitez was never troubled by Newcastle’s awful start, says Magpies winger Matt Ritchie
Rafa Benitez never panicked during Newcastles dreadful start to the season, winger Matt Ritchie has told talkSPORT.The Magpies were in crisis after failing to win any of their opening ten Premier League games, but back-to-back victories against Watford and Bournemouth appear to have kick-started their season.Benitez came under intense pressure during what Ritchie describes as a stressful period for the club, but the Spanish manager remained unfazed.2

Matt Ritchie has praised his manager for his calmness through the crisis

Thats one of his best qualities, how calm he is in all situations, Ritchie told talkSPORT.I think the bigger picture is definitely something he takes into account and the way he stays so calm.Wed gone nine games (sic) without a win at the start of the season, its a stressful period for everyone involved but the manager is the leader of that.He always believed in us and the players believe in themselves as well. Hopefully weve come through that now and we can kick on.Ritchie also paid credit to the Newcastle faithful, with both of their recent victories coming at St James Park.2

Back-to-back wins have restored pride to St James’ Park

The fans have been very good, especially Saturday [against Bournemouth], he added.You could see the first-half we were very good and the second-half we were hanging in a little bit.But we defended really well as a team and we were compact. The manager went to five at the back and we defended for our lives.He continued: The international break has come at a good time for us. We had a tough start, it was mentally draining, weve got two wins under our belt.Now we can just reset over the next few days and get some good sessions in us.

---

Harry Kane is now the joint fourth highest Tottenham Hotspur goalscorer in history. The Spurs ace, still only 25, is now level with Cliff Jones on 159 career strikes for the north London giants.
Harry Kane is now the joint fourth highest Tottenham Hotspur
hollywoodadviser.com/harry-kane-is-now-the-joint-fourth-highest-tottenham-hotspur-goalscorer-in-history/
STUNNING The Spurs ace, still only 25, is now level with Cliff Jones on 159 career strikes for the north London giants Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane's late appearance against Tranmere confused a lot of people, but he still managed to score in the 7-0 victory.
Harry Kane is now the joint fourth highest Tottenham Hotspur

---

Mohamed Salah: Liverpool forward makes young fan cry by giving him his shirt after Napoli clash Salah scored the goal that booked Liverpool's place in the Champions League last 16 before making
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool forward makes young fan cry by

---

Marko Arnautovic has been urged to stay and make his own history at West Ham, amid reported interest in him from China. The Austrian forward has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium this month, with reports of a £35m bid from China for the 29-year-old former Stoke City man.
West Ham's Marko Arnautovic is the new Paolo Di Canio

---

Cristiano Ronaldo offered higher salary than Lionel Messi to join top club, Juventus to offer 3 players of Manchester United's choice for Paul Pogba and more Serie A news: 6 June 2019
Transfer News: Juventus Approach Two Huge Stars Trying To

---

Harry Kane injury: How do Tottenham usually perform without their star striker? The World Cup Golden Boot winner has been ruled out until March after damaging ligaments in his ankle By Oliver Dawnay
Harry Kane injury: How do Tottenham usually perform without

---

Manchester United can win Champions League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer What's the story? Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann believes the Red Devils are playing some excellent football under the
Manchester United could win Champions League according to

---

West Ham identify controversial striker as potential Arnautovic replacement - report. According to reports in Italy, Mario Balotelli is the latest striker linked with a move to West Ham. West Ham are eyeing potential replacements for … 20th January 2019; Jay Williams
West Ham transfer news: Marko Arnautovic will not leave in

---

Gonzalo Higuain Sarri worked with Higuain when he was in charge of Napoli and this is the striker the Chelsea boss clearly wants. The Juventus man, who is spending the season on loan at AC Milan, is 31-years-old which goes against Chelsea's usual transfer policy of signing players under the age of 30.

---

Arsenal have reportedly scouted Brazilian wonderkid Ramires six times ahead of a potential January move to the Emirates. The 18-year-old, full name Eric dos Santos Rodrigues, plays in midfield for
Arsenal scout Brazilian wonderkid SIX times as Gunners eye
travelnewsportal.com/arsenal-scout-brazilian-wonderkid-six-times-as-gunners-eye-january-move/
Arsenal scout Brazilian wonderkid SIX times as Gunners eye January move Arsenal have reportedly scouted Brazilian wonderkid Ramires six times ahead of a potential January move to the Emirates. The 18-year-old, full name Eric dos Santos Rodrigues, plays in midfield for Bahia in Brazil and is also attracting interest from Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal scout Brazilian wonderkid six times as Gunners 'eye

---

Barcelona and Real Madrid are both closely monitoring Christian Eriksen's contract situation at Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report. Eriksen scored his fourth Premier League goal of the 2018

---

Watch Aston Villa vs Birmingham City: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for Championship derby Steve Bruce's promotion chasers welcome an improving Blues for a crucial Second
Aston Villa vs Birmingham City TV channel and live stream

---