Benitez sends must-read message to NUFC fans ahead of tomorrow's game with Brighton

Rafa Benitez has urged Newcastle United fans to prove Bruno wrong after the Brighton defender claimed earlier in the week that the crowd would get on the team's back if we started the game badly on Saturday.

Just a few days ago, the Brighton right-back claimed that the St James' Park crowd could 'turn' if we failed to get off to a good start this weekend - and Benitez has hit back at his comments in the last few moments.

Rafa has urged the fans to prove him wrong and stay with the players on Saturday, insisting that we can gain a lot of confidence if we all unite and get that first win of the season on the board this weekend.

Here's what he's had to say when speaking to the press in the last few moments, claiming that he's 'confident' we'll win if we stick together:

"The first win is always the most difficult. As soon as we win we will have more confidence & it will be easier.

The fans have something to prove - to prove Bruno wrong, that they will not turn. They care, & they know the players care. One of our strengths is our fans"

"The fans realise the players need support. If we are united like we have been for years, we can do well & give us confidence for the rest of the season.

"I have confidence we will win - I am not looking beyond this game. It is very clear what we must do"

A clear message from Rafa once again, with him mentioning the importance of us being 'united' on and off the pitch - not for the first time this season.

It's what made us stay up last season and it'll be needed once again this year if we're to beat the drop.

Rafa also admits that he is still 'optimistic' about our season despite our poor start - insisting that it's a 'long-distance race' where we must take it one game at a time.

"The next game is the most important. It is a long-distance race. We have to take it one game at a time.

"I am optimistic & realistic.

"We proved last year we were right by finishing 10th. I feel confident we'll do it again"

Let's take the gaffers advice and get right behind the boys tomorrow.

Ahead of what must be classed as our most important game of the season to date, they need our support more than ever.