Rafa: “We must fight to the end”

Rafa Benitez is standing firm amidst constant speculation with regards to his managerial position at our free-falling club.

“I do not see this as my most difficult time as a manager. I have worked for 21 years now in the job so I have good memories and bad moments.” said the Spaniard.

“So I try to concentrate only on the next game. Obviously I was really disappointed at the weekend, but we must be positive and prepare for this game correctly.

“I feel the disappointment just like any fan. But I must underline that my commitment to this club is still 100%.

“I will try to change the situation. I will support the players and try to improve things.” he added.

After some dodgy performances from our supposed “stars”, we are now languishing beneath the Champions League qualifying positions.

“The key is to analyse why some players are not performing at their best level, and to try to change that.  If we want to win trophies, you must not say ‘we cannot do this’, we must fight to the end.

“As a manager you must support your players if they work really hard. If they do not do that you know what to do at the end of the season, but during the season you must support them, work hard with them, and they must compete for positions in the team.”