Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez has revealed that manager Rafael Benitez has the respect of the entire Magpies squad, and that everyone in the locker room shuts up when the boss speaks.
Benitez was unable to save Newcastle from Premier League relegation last season, but seems to be well on his way back up, and has the club flying in the Sky Bet Championship. They sit above all chasers in the league with 34 points and 11 wins, leading second-placed Brighton by three points.
Along with the few changes and good form, Benitez has also put an end to the power struggle between players and authority figures at the club, and everyone knows that he's in charge.
Quizzed on the manager's gaining of everyone's respect in the locker room, viaChronicle Live,Perez said:That's a good point. It's 100% focus when he speaks. We know what he has done in his career - it has been a big career, he knows everything about football so you have to learn from him.
That's what we are doing - we are enjoying the Championship, we're top of the table and we can stay there.�
The 23-year-old Spaniardalso noted that there is still a ways to go in the season, suggesting that they cannot take their foot off the gas.
Everything is going really well. The team is doing well, playing well, playing good football and we have good confidence,� he said.
There's still a long way to go, but we're doing well and we are happy to be top of the table."