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.

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