Newcastle United fans have possibly had their optimism checked just a little bit, but the overwhelming feeling on Tyneside remains one of positivity - even though Rafa Benitez could not deliver the result that would have added just a touch more gloss to an uplifting last few days.
Unfortunately, as high a calibre of manager as he is, Benitez is not a miracle worker - and his ‘Rafalution’ will take time to fully bear fruit. Of that there can be little doubt.
Even a coach of the Spaniard’s quality cannot suddenly turnaround 18 months of decline and turgid football. But points are needed in the short term – regardless of that fact.
United looked more organised under the 55-year-old, but they continued to lack creativity and they were devoid of any sort of cutting edge in front of goal; how he resolves their attacking deficiencies really is anyone’s guess.
But, despite overseeing a narrow 1-0 loss to champions-elect Leicester City during his first game in charge, Benitez still had a positive impact on the Newcastle side.
The abiding memory of Steve McClaren’s last few United matches was watching the frustrated and lost figure of Jonjo Shelvey turn to the away dugout at Stamford Bridge with the Magpies losing 3-0 after just 17 minutes - only for no response to be forthcoming.
McClaren instead cut a sorry figure, slumped in his seat and with barely a word of advice to offer to his charges, or a tactical change in order to shore up his hapless side.
Benitez could not have been any further removed during his opening salvo as Magpies boss.
Taking the unusual step of wearing a red-and-white tie, Benitez directed his team from the first minute until the very last from his technical area; only occasionally sitting down in the dugout to write notes or speak with his assistants.
From instructing Rob Elliot on where the goalkeeper’s next goal-kick should be directed, to asking his midfielders to switch around, to urging Aleksandar Mitrovic to come deeper to get the ball, Benitez was tireless in offering advice to his players.
As the travelling Toon Army chanted songs about their new manager, Benitez resisted the temptation to respond to their calls for Rafa to give them a wave early on.
Instead, he urged his back four to press past the halfway line when Newcastle attacked, he constantly instructed the centre-backs on where they should play, and he repeatedly positioned his full-backs in the places he believed would most restrict Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton from inflicting damage.
At one point, when Ayoze Perez slipped over just off the field, Benitez offered an arm to help up his compatriot - and also ensured he did not miss the opportunity to whisper instructions into his forward’s ear.
What’s more, during the second half Benitez was willing to change things around tactically - withdrawing Vurnon Anita after 56 minutes, shifting Georginio Wijnaldum deeper, and moving Perez to No 10.
Interestingly, Moussa Sissoko was also switched to the left rather than played on the right, where he appeared under McClaren’s tutelage.
Benitez’s changes and obsession with precision are already making an impact, even if the result did not follow.
Given time, the ‘Rafalution’ can really begin to take shape - but, early on, Benitez is now starting to learn just how big a job he has on his hands at St James’ Park in the short term.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport...mpact-11040846
Unfortunately, as high a calibre of manager as he is, Benitez is not a miracle worker - and his ‘Rafalution’ will take time to fully bear fruit. Of that there can be little doubt.
Even a coach of the Spaniard’s quality cannot suddenly turnaround 18 months of decline and turgid football. But points are needed in the short term – regardless of that fact.
United looked more organised under the 55-year-old, but they continued to lack creativity and they were devoid of any sort of cutting edge in front of goal; how he resolves their attacking deficiencies really is anyone’s guess.
But, despite overseeing a narrow 1-0 loss to champions-elect Leicester City during his first game in charge, Benitez still had a positive impact on the Newcastle side.
The abiding memory of Steve McClaren’s last few United matches was watching the frustrated and lost figure of Jonjo Shelvey turn to the away dugout at Stamford Bridge with the Magpies losing 3-0 after just 17 minutes - only for no response to be forthcoming.
McClaren instead cut a sorry figure, slumped in his seat and with barely a word of advice to offer to his charges, or a tactical change in order to shore up his hapless side.
Benitez could not have been any further removed during his opening salvo as Magpies boss.
Taking the unusual step of wearing a red-and-white tie, Benitez directed his team from the first minute until the very last from his technical area; only occasionally sitting down in the dugout to write notes or speak with his assistants.
From instructing Rob Elliot on where the goalkeeper’s next goal-kick should be directed, to asking his midfielders to switch around, to urging Aleksandar Mitrovic to come deeper to get the ball, Benitez was tireless in offering advice to his players.
As the travelling Toon Army chanted songs about their new manager, Benitez resisted the temptation to respond to their calls for Rafa to give them a wave early on.
Instead, he urged his back four to press past the halfway line when Newcastle attacked, he constantly instructed the centre-backs on where they should play, and he repeatedly positioned his full-backs in the places he believed would most restrict Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton from inflicting damage.
At one point, when Ayoze Perez slipped over just off the field, Benitez offered an arm to help up his compatriot - and also ensured he did not miss the opportunity to whisper instructions into his forward’s ear.
What’s more, during the second half Benitez was willing to change things around tactically - withdrawing Vurnon Anita after 56 minutes, shifting Georginio Wijnaldum deeper, and moving Perez to No 10.
Interestingly, Moussa Sissoko was also switched to the left rather than played on the right, where he appeared under McClaren’s tutelage.
Benitez’s changes and obsession with precision are already making an impact, even if the result did not follow.
Given time, the ‘Rafalution’ can really begin to take shape - but, early on, Benitez is now starting to learn just how big a job he has on his hands at St James’ Park in the short term.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport...mpact-11040846
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