Benitez: 'Staying in the Premier League will be an achievement'

The 'Magpies' have had a frsutrating time so far this seaon, facing some of the biggest clubs in the league such as Man City and Chelsea.

Given their fixtures, one point from their first five games is not a bad start to the season, but their manager does not think that things will improve massively as the season progresses.

Newcastle managed to get a miraculous top-half finish in the league last season, but a lack of investment over the summer has meant that their squad is not dramatically better than it was two seasons ago in the Championship.

Speaking ahead of the game against Crystal palace on Saturday, the manager of the team responded to a question about what it would mean to avoid relegation.

"'I will say it would be a great achievement. That's the reality." Benitez replied.

"To finish 10th last season was a miracle and that raised expectations but we knew it could be more difficult this time partly because of the spending power of some of the teams who won promotion.

"That's not to say I'm not optimistic but I'm also realistic, and we have to be sure everyone understands the situation."