Sissoko: Players Were Shocked By Benitez's Appointment

Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko has expressed the how surprised his team mates were when the club appointed former Real Madrid coach, Rafael Benitez.



The 55-year-old took over on Friday with the sole mission of saving Newcastle from the drop.

And Sissoko revealed the dressing room was staggered that a Champions League-winning manager like Benitez came to a club like Newcastle.

Sissoko said: "The players understand he has put his reputation on the line. We were surprised to see him come here because normally he is playing every year for titles and the Champions League.

"We were all happy and now we have nine games left which he will bring his experience to and we can be in the Premier League next season with him."

Having managed the likes of Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Inter Milan, Sissoko says his experience can help the club stage a dramatic turnaround.

He said: "He has worked with some very good teams. We need to listen to what he says because he is one of the best managers in the world. We need to follow him.

"I believe in my team mates, manager, everyone and we are a good team. We will stay in the Premier League."