Rafa Benitez admits he will be left beaming with pride if, and when, Newcastle United achieve their season's goal of securing their top-flight status for another campaign.
The Magpies are 13th in the Premier League table, having collected 35 points from 31 matches, and travel to the Emirates to take on Arsenal on Monday night.
United manager Benitez has suggested that 38 points may be enough to avoid relegation, though he believes 40 would "guarantee" survival.
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And, while Benitez felt contentment when watching Newcastle rescue four points from losing positions in their last two outings against Everton and AFC Bournemouth, he stresses he will feel genuine satisfaction should United - who started the season with a 10-game winless run - ensure they are going to remain a Premier League side into next season.
"As a manager you're more than proud. It's fine," Benitez - during an interview with nufcTV - replied when asked whether he was 'proud' of United's recent comebacks.
"But I will be really proud if we achieve what we want to achieve [this season]. It's just to make sure we are all convinced that the team is strong enough, the players are working hard, and the players believe we can get results anyway."
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But Benitez is pleased that the majority of his squad - internationals such as Salomon Rondon, DeAndre Yedlin and Miguel Almiron aside - have had a decent rest over this gap in United's schedule, as well as some quality time on the training ground.
Benitez, in response to a question about whether the international break would prove to be a positive for United, said: "You never know. But I don't think it's bad to have a break and players can then enjoy some time with their families, before getting focused during training for the [Arsenal] game.
"I think sometimes at this stage of the season it's good for the players to have some days off."
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