Benitez Deserves Credit For My Rejuvenated Form – Atsu

Newcastle United winger, Christian Atsu says Rafael Benitez needs to be given credit for his rejuvenated form.

The former FC Porto player has hailed the role played by Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez in his development following his first English Premier League goal over the weekend defeating Stoke City by 2:1.

Atsu played a key role for the Magpies secure promotion to the English and believes the former Real Madrid and Valencia manager deserves to be praise for his improved form.

“I am very happy the team won and also happy to get my first Premier League goal.” Atsu told club website

“Three wins in a row is very good for the team.

“Rafa is always telling me to use my speed to run in behind the defense if I want to assist or score more goals and it has shown a lot.

“I think with Rafa, I have improved a lot, I have seen it for myself and a lot of people are also seeing it.

“So he is very important to me and I also listen to him very attentively because he is a very good coach.

“I try to work hard every day in training, try to prove to him I want to be in the starting eleven because others are also waiting for the opportunity.” He added.

The Magpies are currently on the 4^th position with 9 points after five matches played and will play Brighton & Hove Albion in the week six fixtures.