Rafa Benitez has urged his Newcastle team to push forward in the EFL Cup as goals from Matt Ritchie and Yohan Gouffran helped Rafa's side beat Championship rivals Wolves2-0 at St. James' Park.
Benitez wantsthe cup run continue as he insists the competition is healthy for everybody at the club, as theCronicleLivereport, Rafa had this to say in his post-match words:
Rafa Benitez: "My players need to realise they're now the head of the mouse, and not the tail of the lion." �⬆��⬇�
It's important for us, for the players also to feel that the competition has to be good for everyone, so they have to go on the pitch and try to do their best, it doesn't matter the competition, it doesn't matter the game and it doesn't matter the position.
That is a key factor if we want to be strong and to manage the number of games we will play this year. Obviously we want to win and we did it"
The former Real Madrid boss said the 'two great goals' and clean sheet is 'very positive' and Yohan Gouffran looks a changed man this season after scoring an outstanding goal in helping them progress in the cup, and he said this about the Frenchman,
He didn't know what would happen in the future, but still he was working hard, so I am really pleased for him and he is scoring great goals now and especially from volleys, so that is good.�
WHAT A GOAL GOUFFRAN!!! pic.twitter.com/kFXFmlrcrK
He also talked about giving other players gametime and thinks it will affect the team positively,To give the opportunity to some players to play who were not playing alongside players who have been playing some games, this balance was giving a little bit of match fitness and also the desire of the players top show their level, so this mix of players, I think, was good in the end.�
With many big names still in the hat any tiecould be difficult for the Geordies, even Preston who beat Premier League Bournemouth will be no push-overs in this competition. The draw takes place after the conclusion of theNorthampton vsManchester United game.
PICK A TIE: What tie do you want to see come out of the hat tonight? #EFLCup pic.twitter.com/fgtHLeoD0r