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Rafa Benitez Stoke press conference – First quotes

7 years ago
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The Rafa Benitez Stoke Press Conference has taken place on Friday lunchtime.

The United boss thanking everybody for their get well soon messages.

Sitting out last Sunday’s match, Rafa says ‘I was on the sofa taking notes and shouting’ but adds he was confident about the Swansea match as his staff were reporting everything going to plan.

With the manager back in position, things are looking positive.

Rafa Benitez confirming that the injury situation is looking far better, with only Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara ruled out, as well as Mitro suspended. However, Chancel Mbemba is available again after injury.

With the confidence from these two wins, the United boss says ‘We can win against anyone if we do what we have done’.

Rafa also confirmed that talks were happening on a new contract for Jamaal Lascelles and he expects that to be sorted with a minimum of hassle.

The Spaniard declaring that his captain had said the players had now ‘set the standard’ with wins and convincing performances against West Ham and Swansea, with now ‘every player’ just having to put the work in to ensure that standard is maintained.

First quotes from the Rafa Benitez Stoke Press Conference:

“I would like to start by saying thank you to everyone for their messages. We won, so everything is fine and I’m here talking, so it’s good.

“I was trying to come back but I was not feeling well. I was in contact with my staff and they told me everything is in place.

“I was on the sofa taking notes and shouting. I was confident because the staff were telling me everything was going according to plan.

“Jamaal (Lascelles) was saying we have set the standard. Every player has to work hard and we can win against anyone if we do what we have done.

“I think it’s important to stay calm when things are right or when they are not. It’s three points and another opportunity to do well.

“We have to be sure we don’t have overconfidence. We have to keep doing what we have done.

“Stoke City are a good team, they have good balance. They are good in defence, have pace in attack and an experienced manager.

“We knew about Joselu and we now must make sure he is consistent and improving. We are happy with him and the competition for places.

“We are where we are (after summer transfer window) and I was talking during the week with the players.

“We think about what we have and what we can do – our commitment is to improve all players as individuals and improve the team.

“If we can do that then we can see where we are in the next window.”

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