Rafa Benitez says he is preparing himself for a relegation battle for the first time in 20 years - and insists even good managers will lose matches if their team is not up to scratch.
The Newcastle boss remains concerned about the strength of his squad and is angry that promises made by owner Mike Ashley have not come to fruition.
Benitez had thought he would be able to add more in terms of both quality and quantity this summer - they have spent £30.5million on five players - and he is frustrated with the club’s hierarchy over their slow progress.