Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that he can handle the pressure of managing the Magpies, amid rumours of his future at St James Park, the Northern Echo report.
Benitez has managed across the continent at some of Europe’s top clubs, winning plenty of trophies, however, after a poor start to the season, many are questioning the Spaniard’s position in the North East.
The latest setback for the Magpies came last weekend, with Brighton & Hove Albion coming away from St James Park with three points thanks to a deflected first half strike.
However, talking ahead of his sides vital fixture away at Southampton, Benitez admitted he does not feel under pressure, and believes the club’s fortunes on the pitch will turn around in the coming weeks.
I have to be calm and believe because we have done this before. We have been successful for years.
When I came, I decided to come because of the potential of the club, the city behind it. I felt it would be a team fighting to be top eight. Now we are in a position that I am not happy with that, but I have to deal with that because I am a professional so I will try to do my best.
After such a poor start to the season, the nine fixtures for the Magpies between now and the New Year could prove crucial in terms of Benitez’s position as manager.
