RAFA Benitez has been speaking to the press ahead of Saturday's visit of Fulham.

On a big week for the club

“To play the three away games, everyone was expecting a difficult week, but we did well. Now we have to continue doing the same. We are doing well but there is still a long way to go. We have to get three points against a very difficult tem.

On Fulham

“It will be a challenge because they are an attacking team who create chances. All the offensive statistics are quite good for them, but at the same time they concede goals and it could be an open game. It should be a good game for the fans.

On home form

“We are so good away that it seems like we are not as good at home, but we have a good record. Could it better? Yes. Maybe it has to be better, but we have still won 11 games and it is not easy when the other teams defend well. Fulham is an interesting challenge because they play open football and they attack.

On the one year anniversary

“I didn’t realise until I was told. Another year, that means you are getting older. It has been a great experience and the main thing is to see the club going in the right direction. The fans are enjoying this time because everything is going well. Hopefully things will continue going in the right way.

“Before I came, everybody was talking about a massive club and a massive city and fans behind the team. That is clear for me, you can see in every home and away game. In the city, everybody is loving the club. They love the name of the club and the stature.

"In terms of pressure and all these things, you know what can happen when you go to a massive club. We are in the Championship but we are still a massive club. We have to have the winning mentality you need, but still be humble and work hard.

“I have some good memories. To be relegated was the worst thing, but after, the reaction of everyone has been fantastic. We have had games, like Norwich and QPR away where the team has been doing so well. This week we have had very good results against the teams at the top of the table so they are more good memories.

"Hopefully the best one will be at the end of the season.

“I don’t think about the next games. Every week, everything can change, we have to just think about this game, that is the best way."

On Mitrovic

“He has been training well. With the striker situation, it is quite difficult for us. When Gayle and Mitro were in the squad, Murphy had to wait. Gayle was injured, then Mitor was involved and playing. Now, Murphy has been playing and Gayle is coming back. It is difficult.

"He has to keep doing what he has done this week and train really well. Mitro has been training well. I know he will go with the national team, so hopefully he will keep pushing and scoring goals.

“We have seen Fulham playing. Jokanovic is doing a great hob and we know it will be tough.

Team news

“Yedlin is out. We have to wait because we want another opinion about how long it will be."