Cardiff Not Crucial For Rafa

Rafael Benitez says the visit of Cardiff on Saturday is important but will not define Newcastle’s season.

The Magpies claimed an FA Cup win over Blackburn in midweek but are winless in five in the Premier League and have dropped into the relegation zone.

Newcastle can haul themselves out of the bottom three and leapfrog the Bluebirds with all three points this weekend.

Manager Benitez is eager for his side to get back to winning ways but he stressed they will still have plenty of work to do to pull clear of danger even if they emerge victorious on Saturday.

“Yes, it’s an important game, but still we have too many games to play,” Benitez told reporters.

“Obviously, we will go for the three points and after that, what will happen? Still we have to keep winning games against teams.

“My analysis is very simple: we will play at home against Burnley or Huddersfield or Crystal Palace and a lot of teams where maybe you can do well and you can get three points.

“If we are together and we continue pushing and we keep working hard, we will have more chances for sure. “It’s not a secret, it’s no rocket science, it’s simple.”