Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko has admitted to being pleasantly surprised the Magpies were able to appoint former Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez as the club's new manager.

Benitez was hired to replace sacked manager Steve McClaren last week, as Newcastle desperately look to salvage their season and avoid relegation to the Championship.

"Yes, we were surprised to see him come to Newcastle because normally he is playing for the title and Champions League," Sissoko said in the wake of Monday night's narrow 1-0 loss to league leaders Leicester City.

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

"He worked with Madrid, Liverpool, 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."