Rafa And The Two Strikers Up Front

Last updated : 31 March 2017 By Footy Mad - Editor

Rafa Benitez on why he won't play with two up front.

Image result for Newcastle UnitedIt depends on the players in the squad, who is fit, who is training well (and) which team we are facing. If you play two up front, you have to consider how that could that affect the strength of your midfield, there are lots of things to think about when we select our team and formation.

We have done this in some games but to play with two strikers could be negative if that means you lose the control in other parts of the pitch.

I would ask people to consider that we are at the top of the table, scoring more goals than any other team in the division and conceding less than the others - to change our shape it could be right, or maybe not. What we are doing is working.

Some fans say that you are too cautious: do you think this is true?

As I said before we are top of the table and we score more goals than any other team in the division and don’t concede many - our goal difference is 38 at the moment. You just have to look at our statistics and compare them to the other teams in this division.

It would be a mistake to think that we are always able to run at teams and get the victory because of the quality in our squad. There are many other teams in this division with great strength and quality.

Some people could look at our game plan away at Huddersfield and say it was too cautious, and that we should be pressing from the first minute to get the win.

But our approach to sit back and let them come at us was the best tactic for that particular game. Football management means considering every opponent and every game in isolation and deciding what is the best way to win each game.

Are you confident the club has a bright future?

Yes, this is a big club and we can have a very bright future I’m sure. The fans are incredible, the stadium is superb, the staff, everything is in place to allow this club to achieve great things.

But first we have to reach the target, we have to remain focused on only one thing and that is securing promotion.

We can’t make the mistakes of the past and start running without walking first. If everyone can stick together and help the team go up then we can talk about the future. Then we have the chance to dream.

Will you be doing more off-the-field things at the club in the near future?

Yes, it is important to me and my staff that the club has a strong and warm connection with the city and with the local community. Our players and staff attend regular events in the community and we have been to many this season.

There will be many more to come in the future, but as everybody can understand now it is time to focus on the remaining games of the season.