Newly-appointed Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitezis confident that the club can avoid the drop this season.

However, the Spaniard, who signed a three-year deal with the club late last week, has asked the fans to be patient.

Benitez's first challenge in his new job will be a trip to the table toppers Leicester City on Monday night.

"Maybe it is too early. I don't know if we can do it against Leicester because they are doing really well," he said.

"I am here because I believe we can do it. The main thing is to concentrate on these 10 games and then see what happens but I am convinced we have enough quality in the squad."