Rafa Benitez knows that every opponent this season will raise their game against Newcastle, the bookmakers’ favourites to win the division.
And his players found out at Craven Cottage just how hard it will be to get out of the Championship this season.
“We knew and we said before that that it would be like this,” said Benitez, whose side struggled to defend set-pieces in pre-season.
“When they are on the pitch, they have to realise this could happen. We conceded this goal, and we have worked on this during the week. We have to react and we have to get better.
“More than (making) signings, we have to keep working.
“We need something a little bit more, and especially in terms of working we have to realise we will be working more.
“Some of the players knew what it will be like. We need to manage the situation better.
“When you are bringing players in, and players are leaving, it is always difficult but we have to manage the situation better.”