Russell Edge

Sun 22 October 2017 16:59, UK

By Russell Edge

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that he feels the club’s start to the Premier League season has been “fine” considering their preparations over summer.

The Magpies endured a difficult transfer window, seeing several of their prime targets slip through their fingers, with the Spanish manager publicly vocalising his frustrations in press conferences.

Despite their struggles over the summer, the Magpies have made a positive start to the season, with their 1-0 over Crystal Palace on Saturday pushing them up to sixth in the Premier League table prior to Sunday’s matches.

However, having seen his side impress following their return to the top flight from the Championship, Benitez was surprisingly blasé about the club’s start, with fans perhaps expecting to hear a bit more positivity from their manager.

When asked if he would have taken this start prior the beginning of the season, he told the Chronicle: “Obviously, we have come from the Championship and we didn’t sign too many players, so if you were telling me that after September 1, I would have said to you, ‘It’s fine’.

“It could be acceptable. It’s a long race and what we have to be sure of is we will enjoy a couple of days and then after we have to be prepared for another challenge.

“I don’t think too much about where we are.”

Newcastle have picked up four wins so far, tasting victory over West Ham, Swansea, Stoke City and now Palace, while there have only been three defeats to Tottenham, Huddersfield and Brighton.

Their next match will see them travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley, who themselves were beaten 3-0 by league leaders Manchester City on Saturday.