Rafa Benitez claims his Newcastle side need a “miracle” to avoid being dragged into a Premier League relegation battle.
The Magpies secured a top-half finish during their first season back among English football’s elite in 2017-18.
The current campaign is proving to be a bit trickier, though, with more transfer frustration leaving Benitez to make the best of what he has.
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He is concerned that may not be enough, with a side currently perched five points above the drop zone already looking anxiously over their shoulder.
Benitez said: "We have to be realistic and understand that we will be in the bottom half during the whole season.