Rafa Benitez has urged his side to focus on the importance of their encounter with Burnley at St James’ Park - and not the drama of deadline night.
Incredibly, the Premier League sanctioned a full night of fixtures at the same time clubs were getting their squads perfected at the end of the January window, and while Benitez has not enjoyed the best of months in terms of recruitment some of his players could be subject to a bid at the same time the Magpies take on the Clarets on Tyneside.
Benitez said: “ This is a tough time for everybody to keep their concentration. I understand that you have to ask questions.
Rafa Benitez, manager of Newcastle United (Image: Getty Images Europe)
“But the players have to be professionals like us and be sure they are focused on the game.
“It’s a massive game and we said before that every game is important.”
Benitez has confirmed he will rotate his squad for the home encounter with Sean Dyche’s side after making a host of changes in the FA Cup fourth round defeat at Chelsea.
The Toon boss is likely to hand Kenedy his United debut at St James’ Park.
He said: “We have to change players.
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“After two or three days you have to make changes because we need fresh legs.”
Newcastle’s last home win in the Premier League came way back in October against Crystal Palace and Benitez was also asked if this was playing on the minds of some of his players.
He said: “We are not thinking too much about that.
“It is the Premier League and no matter whether you play home or away your rivals are very strong.
“The main thing for us is to get three points in front of our fans.
“It doesn’t matter who we play we always try to get three points.”