Rafa Benitez calls for Newcastle fans to rally round players
Saturday 19 March 2016 14:50, UK
Rafa Benitez has urged Newcastle supporters to stick with the team as they prepare to face Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.
Benitez will take charge of his first match at St James' Park on Super Sunday, with a 52,000 sell-out crowd expected for the clash against fiercest rivals Sunderland.
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Only a point separates Sunderland in 17th and Newcastle in 19th, leading Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce to label the derby as the biggest in its history.
It will be Benitez's first taste of the Tyne-Wear derby and he believes a united front from the players and supporters can be the tonic for a vital victory in their bid to secure Premier League survival.
"The fans are crucial for us. We have to stick together and be sure that every fan can help the players on the pitch," he said.
Benitez suffered defeat in his first match as Newcastle manager, losing 1-0 away at Premier League leaders Leicester on Monday Night Football.
"We know every game between now and the end of the season is important, but especially this one," said Benitez, who has scheduled extra training sessions for the players since his arrival.
"For the fans, for the club, the situation for both sides in the table it is quite important. We are preparing every training session as well as we can and hopefully we can be ready for the game.
"A derby is massive for the city and the fans. In every country you can find this type of derby. We have to enjoy the derby. We have to try and win.
"The players have commitment, they are working very hard and are trying to understand our ideas of what we want to do.
"They know how important the situation is and they are trying to stick together. That is the main thing."
