Rafa Benitez looks to lift gloom at Newcastle and believes win against Nottingham Forest in League Cup would be 'fantastic' to change mood

  • Rafa Benitez is far from pleased with his side's two defeats from two matches 
  • Newcastle boss believes one win will make everything far more positive at club 
  • Magpies face Nottingham Forest in second round of League Cup on Tuesday
  • Benitez said: 'We have to approach the cup competitions with ambition'

Rafa Benitez has insisted he will be a happy man once Newcastle start winning, starting with Tuesday night's clash against Nottingham Forest.

Life back in the Premier League has proved testing for the Magpies to date following a 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham, during which midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was sent off, and a 1-0 reverse at Huddersfield.


Benitez's concerns over the club's summer recruitment, coupled with Shelvey's three-match ban and the results have cast a pall over St James' Park, although the Spaniard is convinced the solution is simple.

Rafa Benitez is looking to get Newcastle's season back on track after two successive defeats

Rafa Benitez is looking to get Newcastle's season back on track after two successive defeats

He said: 'If you lose two games, you cannot be happy. If we win, I will be happier.

'Winning games would make everything more positive. The majority of the players were working with us last year and know how we work.

'It is more difficult in the Premier League, but it is still the same methodology that has been working for years.'

The Magpies face Forest in the second round of the League Cup on Tuesday night.

The Magpies lost 1-0 against Huddersfield and tasted defeat to Tottenham in their first game

The Magpies lost 1-0 against Huddersfield and tasted defeat to Tottenham in their first game

Last season's Sky Bet Championship meetings between the two sides proved eventful with Paul Dummett and Shelvey both being sent off in a 2-1 defeat at the City Ground - both red cards were later rescinded - while Forest defender Matt Mills suffered the same fate in a 3-1 win for the Magpies on Tyneside.

Benitez will use the depth of a squad he still hopes to re-shape significantly during the remaining days of the transfer window, but admits a victory would be very welcome.

He said: 'If we win, it will be fantastic, very positive and everyone will have the same feeling. We have to approach the cup competitions with ambition, trying to do our best with the squad we have at the moment.

'We will see new players come in because we have to use the squad.' 

Benitez is keen to ensure heads don't drop and insists the methodology is the same 

Benitez is keen to ensure heads don't drop and insists the methodology is the same