Newcastle have been one of the basement clubs all season, but maybe Rafa Benitez has timed his arrival perfectly.Midfielder Cheick Tiote says: “He brings a different mentality – we believe in ourselves and work hard as a team. Everyone knows that if they don’t perform they will be on the bench. That is good for the team. Everyone has to fight for their chance. We believe in ourselves and work hard as a team and when he gives you a chance you have to fight for your place to stay in the team. If you are Tiote, or another player, you have to fight to stay in the Premier League.â€Big words from a player transformed under Benitez. It wasn’t so long ago that Tiote was being lined up for a move to China and McClaren’s men were facing the Championship with a look of certainty.Now, however, Newcastle’s chances of staying up have changed dramatically – as hinted atÂby the bookies, who have lengthened their odds against relegation.The Magpies were 19th in the table when McClaren was sacked on March 11, but Saturday’s 1-0 win, thanks to a stunning free-kick from Andros Townsend, over Crystal Palace moved them out of the relegation zone.They are now one point ahead of rivals Sunderland having played a game more, with eight points coming from their last four matches.The 55-year-old Spaniard, Benitez, signed a three-year contract – understood to contain a break clause facilitating a potential parting of the ways in the summer should Newcastle end up in the Championship. He is in line for a significant bonus, believed to be in the region of £2m, if he keeps the club in the Premier League this season.The upturn in fortunes has led to speculation and questions as to whether Benitez should have been brought in earlier and the Newcastle boss had that question put to him after the game against Palace.But the Spaniard offered a diplomatic response, insisting injuries to key players had played their part in the club’s poor form prior to his arrival.”I think it’s not fair if I say something about that. Always time is important for any manager,” he said. “We are where we are and we enjoy this challenge right now and we will try to enjoy it until the end of the season. I can give a message, but they have to go out on the pitch and perform.”ThisÂis near enough what McClaren used to say, but Benitez has somehow started to turn this sleeping giant around, and it’s not too late to save their Premier League status.Interestingly, his work at St. James’ Park hasn’t gone unnoticed and the former Liverpool boss is among the names being considered by Everton as a replacement for Roberto Martinez, should Newcastle be relegated from the Premier League.For now, Benitez appears happy enough with Newcastle and said recently: “At the moment we’re in honeymoon. I’m really pleased with things. Hopefully it can be the same for some years. I see the similarities with Liverpool, between the cities and the fans. Newcastle fans have passion; I like that. Liverpool was fantastic because the fans are behind you no matter what you do, what mistakes you make.”Staying up would be massive – and the beginning of something special for this club. Yes, I love Liverpool but I love Newcastle too at the moment – and I hope that will be the case for many years. To stay at a club where the fans love you is really important to me.â€The former Real Madrid boss believes he can resurrect the Magpies’ fortunes given the right backing. He will lay out his ambitious plans to club chiefs, but only when the campaign is finished, and providing they are still in the Premier League.For now, Rafa and Newcastle look an ideal match and should Newcastle stay up, then many would bet on a much better future under his experienced stewardship.
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