Benitez: 'We cannot make excuses, so we have to be ready and try to win the games and that's it'

Rafa Benitez has told his players they cannot use Newcastle's transfer window difficulties as an excuse for not performing in the Premier League.

The promoted Magpies kick off the first season back in the top flight with a tough opening fixture against Tottenham at St James' Park on Sunday with their manager still hoping desperately for reinforcements after seeing many of his early targets slip through the net.

However, he is hoping the unity on and off the pitch which fuelled last season's Sky Bet Championship title triumph will come to the fore once again.

Benitez said:

Newcastle's opening fixture could hardly have been much tougher with Tottenham, who have mounted a serious challenge for Premier League glory in each of the last two seasons, intent on repeating the feat this time around.

Their preparations have been dented somewhat by full-back Danny Rose's controversial comments - for which he offered an apology on Friday - after he hinted that he might have to leave the club to win the trophies he craves.

However, Benitez is not convinced Mauricio Pochettino's team will be distracted.