Newcastle star Ayoze Perez has praised manager Rafa Benitez for helping the club enjoy an impressive start to the Premier League season.
Questions were raised over the Magpies ability to compete in the top flight this season after they failed to secure a number of the summer transfer targets and when Benitez himself publically expressed frustration at the board for failing to back him sufficiently during the transfer window.
The club currently sit in ninth position on the standings after taking 10 points from their opening several games and claimed a creditable 1-1 draw against Liverpool last weekend.
They next play against Southampton when the Premier League resumes after the international break and are so far exceeding expectations.
Perez has now praised his manager saying, “We’re doing really well. The start to the season has been hard as we’ve needed to adapt ourselves to this league.
“But we’ve still done really well, we’re ninth in the table and we’re playing good football, that’s the most important thing. Under Rafa, we’re doing a great job, so we’re happy with that.
“My relationship with Rafa has been brilliant, I’ve learned a lot from him. To be honest, I always try and improve myself, but under Rafa you’re always going to improve.
“It’s been a great start to the season, he’s given me a lot of confidence, which is important for a player. I’m feeling really good on the pitch.”
