Monday 18 April 2016 12:23, UK
Rafa Benitez chose Moussa Sissoko as his Newcastle captain in Saturday's 3-0 win over Swansea due to his "big influence" over the French contingent in the squad.
Sissoko played a key role in the impressive home victory and he repaid the manager's faith by finding the net for the first time this season.
"I wanted to give Sissoko some confidence," Benitez said. "We also have a lot of players who talk French and Sissoko has big influence with them.
"They see him as a big name. So, if he's performing well, they will follow him."
The introduction of Sissoko as captain meant Jonjo Shelvey dropped to the bench against his former club Swansea, but the midfielder refused to criticise his new boss.
"I was a bit surprised and frustrated to be left out against my old club, but I think he [Benitez] knows what he's doing," Shelvey said.
"It's going to be tough but we've got real belief now," the midfielder added.
Newcastle will be looking to pick up more crucial points in there next game against an in-form Manchester City on Tuesday night at St James' Park, live on Sky Sports 1.
"City are exceptional but, if we press them high up the pitch, like we did against Swansea, we'll get chances," Shelvey said.
