Rafa Benitez insists Newcastle United have had a positive season - despite slipping down the table compared to last year’s top 10 finish.
The highest Newcastle can finish is 13th place this term but they need a win against Fulham and hope Crystal Palace beat Bournemouth.
When asked about the campaign as a whole, Benitez said: “The target was to stay in the Premier League - we knew how difficult it could be.
“We needed to be focused and concentrated and now after being safe, then you are more relaxed.
“You have to prepare for the games in the same way, but you know it is not the same as if you are at the bottom of the table and every point can make a difference.”
Benitez called for context about this year’s campaign and added: “We didn’t realise that to finish 10th last year was a miracle.
“This year we were thinking maybe we can finish seventh, but it was impossible.
“To be consistent you have to have everything in place.
“When you have Fulham and Wolves promoted and they are spending £100m it is totally different.
“To be where we are is a great achievement.”
After United’s poor start, Benitez feels the season turned out well.
He added: “You could ask the same question after eight games and I would have been over the moon.
“At the beginning, you never know. The teams that were promoted were spending so much money. It is fair enough.
“I am still not happy because I would like to be higher.”
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