Magpies boss Rafa Benitez spoke to reporters after his side's vitally important 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, and explained how their achievements this season are even more impressive because of his players' lack of experience of playing in a side challenging at the top end of the table, as quoted by the Northern Echo.
Newcastle sit comfortably at the top of the Championship table, with a one point advantage over second placed Brighton and Hove Albion, and more importantly, a 10 point lead over third placed Huddersfield Town.
With just seven games remaining this season, the Tyneside outfit could wrap up promotion over the next few weeks, if other results go their way.
But Benitez highlighted one area that definitely needs to be improved, and how it is his responsibility to instil a winning mentality into his team, as quoted by the Northern Echo:
"People are saying these players have come from the Premier League – yes, but not from the top of the table, or ones winning the league. These players were in the middle or the bottom of the table, so we had to create an attitude where they play with confidence and winning mentality.”
That mental ability will be well and truly tested over the coming weeks, with games against Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United on the horizon.
Next up for Rafa's men though is a home game against Burton Albion as they look to stretch their lead at the top of the table.