Rafa: “I don’t agree that Forest were the better team and I’m not concerned by how we played,” he said.
“We did well to control the game after the first minute when we conceded. They were able to play on the counter attack.
“We did not create many chances so we need to improve in attack and keep working hard.
“It’s a long season, we need it was going to be hard but we have confidence in ourselves.”
“It’s like I said before: it’s obvious that we have to manage with the squad we have, and I’m really pleased with the players that were on the pitch because they were trying their best.
“We didn’t start well, conceding an early goal, and we have to be better. I think we were getting better in the second half. We scored the goal and have to manage better after that."
Newcastle were adamant they should have been awarded a penalty by referee Jeremy Simpson, following a clash between Steele and Perez, thought the Spaniard refused to comment.
“I have to say nothing because everybody was watching what happened.”