Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum should stay at Newcastle United says Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez has told Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum that he wants them to STAY at Newcastle United.
Newcastle United's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates  with Moussa Sissoko (right)Newcastle United's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates  with Moussa Sissoko (right)
Newcastle United's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates with Moussa Sissoko (right)

Sissoko and Wijnaldum have been tipped for summer exits in the wake of relegation from the Premier League.

But Benitez, who has already signed three players, has again insisted that he is under no pressure to sell any of his big names.

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“As I have said before, if we don’t want to sell anyone, we don’t have to sell anyone,” he said.

“We understand that the market is quite difficult, and someone will maybe come with a big offer for a player.

“Then we have to analyse whether we say yes or no, but, at the moment, we will say no to everyone.”

Benitez is hoping that Sissoko, preparing for France’s Euro 2016 semi-final against Germany tomorrow, and Wijnaldum “take responsibility” and help the Magpies win promotion to the Premier League.

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Asked about the futures of Sissoko and Wijnaldum, Benitez said: “To go from the Premier League to the Championship is not easy for anyone.

“I understand they need some time to analyse the situation and understand where they are, but they need to take their responsibility too and try to do their best to change the situation.

“In this case it would be to do well, get us promoted back to the Premier League and everyone will be happy.”

Midfielder Sissoko was asked about his future by the French media ahead of the Germany game.

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“Newcastle’s relegation is sad, but I’ll have time to think about my future after the Euros,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’m not thinking about my club future – that’s sincere.”

Benitez’s decision to stay at United, and the early captures of Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Matz Sels, have buoyed fans.

And the first home game of the season, against Huddersfield Town on August 13, is set for a sell out.

Benitez is appreciative of the backing he has had from the club’s supporters.

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“I want to think about the future,” he said. “What I have seen since I’ve been here is the fans behind the team, supporting the team.

“I would like to keep the relationship like this, and the only way to do this is to do the right things. I’m not stupid, I know we have to win!

“We can do all the right things, but we have to win.”