Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that his side are 'lacking confidence' after they made it two losses from two matches in the Championship.
The Magpies, who were heavy favourites to win the second-tier title before the new season began, lost 2-1 to Huddersfield Town at St James' Park on Saturday thanks to a late winner from Jack Payne.
The result marked the Terriers' first victory at Newcastle since 1953 and followed on from an opening-day loss at Fulham and a first-round exit from the EFL Cup at the hands of League One side Shrewsbury Town.
"We weren't expecting this kind of performance," Benitez told reporters after the match. "We knew Huddersfield would be difficult to break down but we didn't play at the level we wanted to. We improved a lot in the second half but it's really disappointing. I've seen the team doing well in training but we have to show the same things in the match, the quality, the personality and the character.
"We've not seen that today. We made too many mistakes and we need to show that character and quality to improve things. The players on the pitch they were trying, they are good players. The players can do much better but we didn't play at the level we were expecting. The only positive today was the fans.
"I don't think the start to the season has been a reality check. We always knew how difficult this division would be. It's good that we have an immediate opportunity to bounce back. It's clear that we're just lacking a bit of confidence at present."
Newcastle have another chance to get off the mark on Wednesday night when they welcome Reading to the North-East.
Neil Wilkes
