Rafa Benitez’s voice was hoarse, his answers clipped, his mood lower than his opinion of Mike Ashley. It is starting to look like there is more riding on a takeover of Newcastle United than simply getting rid of the unpopular owner.
This team needs January investment if they are to survive this season, and Benitez knows it. He should be applauded for the job he has done so far with limited resources, but cracks have appeared.
They have won one in six - a somewhat fortunate late victory against bottom club Crystal Palace - and have failed to score in five of 11 matches.