Cash not key to success, just look at Aston Villa and Norwich City - Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez

Critics of Newcastle United this season claim they've bought their way to the top of the Championship table.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez.Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez.

But Rafa Benitez says that cash is not the key to success in football, citing Aston Villa and now managerless Norwich City as examples of how things can quickly turn sour after relegation.

It is true that the Magpies splashed out to the tune of £50million+ last summer, signing the likes of Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace and Matt Ritchie from Bournemouth for a combined fee of around £22m.

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But those on the outside looking in often forget to factor in the high-profile sales of Moussa Sissoko, Daryl Janmaat and Gini Wijnaldum, among others, which meant Benitez's spend was offset, turning in a summer profit of some £30m.

Either way, former Liverpool, Napoli and Real Madrid boss Benitez does not think money is the 'be all and end all' in the game.

He says it all about getting the balance right.

Big money signings and talent does not always guarantee success, especially in the combative, cut throat Championship.

Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has found the going tough at Villa Park.Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has found the going tough at Villa Park.
Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has found the going tough at Villa Park.

"It can be hard - you see that with Norwich and Aston Villa," said Benitez.

"It is not a question of money and that is it.

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"You need to find the right balance between motivation, passion and commitment as well as have the right quality to win games and go up."

Where relegated Norwich and Villa have struggled there have been more established second tier sides who have excelled alongside the Magpies.

Alex Neil has paid with his job at Carrow Road, after Norwich City have struggled after relegation.Alex Neil has paid with his job at Carrow Road, after Norwich City have struggled after relegation.
Alex Neil has paid with his job at Carrow Road, after Norwich City have struggled after relegation.

David Wagner at Huddersfield has probably been the surprise package of the division, and his side look well placed to challenge the top two in final few weeks of the campaign.

While, Brighton finally look poised to make it to the Premier League promised land under Chris Hughton having gone painfully close to doing so last season, only to be pipped at the post by Middlesbrough on goal difference.

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Rolling the clock back to the summer Benitez believes that it was an easier job for the likes of Hughton to ready their team for a promotion fight than the hand he was dealt at United.

"People think that it is just signing players but it is more than that," explains the gaffer.

Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has found the going tough at Villa Park.Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has found the going tough at Villa Park.
Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has found the going tough at Villa Park.

"When you have to change something you also have to change the mood around.

"When you see now the club, the city and the fans are very excited by the idea that we will be promoted and be back in the Premier League.

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"They have that hope that it is their club again and they are proud of the team.

"The teams at the top of the Championship now, they needed two or three players in to their squads, and their players are settled. They know the division.

"When you are relegated and you have to change half of the squad maybe the best players will leave because you have to sell them. Then some will not be good enough. You find you may have to bring in 10 to 15 players, or half a squad."

He continued: "The obvious thing was to change players.

Alex Neil has paid with his job at Carrow Road, after Norwich City have struggled after relegation.Alex Neil has paid with his job at Carrow Road, after Norwich City have struggled after relegation.
Alex Neil has paid with his job at Carrow Road, after Norwich City have struggled after relegation.

"We needed to change something so that we have a competitive team. We needed fresh blood to give motivation to everyone.

"It is harder to change when you are relegated."

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Referring back to the performance of his summer signings, Rafa says he has been delighted with their impact.

But he says some of that has been down to the way the old guard at NUFC have stepped up to the plate to help.

"We are really pleased with the new players," he said.

"Some of them are doing really well.

"But some of the players who were already here have improved a lot and have helped the players to settle down."