Newcastle United star Federico Fernandez has taken on a leadership role within the team.

Fernandez knows exactly how Rafa Benitez wants to set up his side, having worked with the manager at Napoli.

Now 29, Fernandez is a senior member of the Newcastle side and admits that he uses his experience to calm others on the pitch.

"I try to be calm, because if you are calm on the pitch then you can think more clearly than if you are excited or panicking," Fernandez said to local media at Benton.

"I try to be calm, so that I can think and see what can happen in the game. I try to talk, and that's the way I like to approach the game.

"In different situations, you can get more excited, but I try to be calm, and I think every player is trying to be calm, to focus on doing their jobs, and avoid giving mistakes to the other team.

"Of course, in the game at Man United the intensity and commitment was great. It's just we missed some tactical movements which cost us some goals.

"We try to read the game, see what is going on and then talk with the guys if necessary so we can be a better team."