Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has insisted that his club do not require January signings in order to boost their chances of survival this season.
During the summer transfer window, Benitez publically criticized the Magpies board for failing to back him sufficiently in the transfer market and did add that he honestly felt that the club was short in many areas as they prepared for life in the Premier League.
After making an impressive start to the season, the Magpies have been in poor form recently and have lost their past four consecutive games.
Despite this, Benitez feels that they have enough quality to avoid relegation this season. He said: “The reality is that if you want to sign a striker who can score 20 goals every year, it is £40million. An average striker is £20million or £30million.
“We didn’t do that, so we are where we are. We have to compete against Huddersfield, Brighton or Burnley, but we couldn’t compete against those clubs and sign the players they were signing. We couldn’t pay the prices they were paying or the wages they were offering.
“This group of players can manage if we stay calm and continue in the same way. Our fans know where we are and why we are here.
“We have had a difficult month. We knew that before. We have 14 points and are in a good position. Are we happy? No, it could be better – but it could be worse. If it gets worse, keep on going.”
