Benitez '100% confident' Newcastle will retain Premier League status

The outlook at St James' Park is not looking especially bright at the moment, after failing to win a match in any competition so far this season.

While things on the poitch are not going well, things off the pitch seem to be improving slightly after the owner met with Benitez and the players during the week, promising to have more input in the running of the club.

As the 'Magpies' prepare to play Man Utd on Saturday, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager spoke of his confidence that the team would be able to stay in the Premier League come the end of the season.

“I am convinced, 100%, that we will stay in the Premier League this season" Benitez said.

“I’m very realistic, I know January is a difficult window but, at the same time, Newcastle is a nice city, it’s a good place with fantastic fans and it’s an opportunity for players to come to the Premier League.

"I’m quite optimistic but, at the same time, realistic. Maybe we can fix things and improve. We will see if we can go in the right direction.”