RAFAEL BENITEZ insists he “does not fear the sack” at Newcastle United, and claims Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley both appreciate the extent of the constraints he is having to work under as he looks to guide the Magpies up the Premier League table.

Newcastle host Brighton this afternoon against a backdrop of mounting speculation regarding Benitez’s future. Last weekend, reports emerged suggesting the Magpies hierarchy were considering Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers as a potential alternative to Benitez, whose current contract is due to end next summer.

Having picked up just two points from their opening eight matches, Newcastle head into today’s game in 19th position, and if they were to lose against the Seagulls, it would be the first time they had lost the opening five home games of a season in their entire history.

They are currently one of just four teams in England’s top four leagues not to have claimed a victory this season, but while Benitez accepts results have been poor, he is adamant he does not fear for his job.

Having dined with Ashley earlier this month, he met with Charnley this week to discuss a range of topics, and is confident he retains the full support of those above him.

“I don’t fear the sack,” said the Benitez. “I don’t think that, that’s it. Is it a difficult situation? Yes, because you are (near) the bottom of the table. Is it something that we were not expecting? No, it could be. You see the fixtures, you see the level of the other teams and you knew we could be there, more or less.

“We cannot talk too much about the dinner, but I had a meeting, a normal chat with Lee a couple of days ago, or something like that. I think we are very clear, and we know very clearly where we are. It is just to be sure that we manage the little things we can manage. We are working on the things we can change, and I can see the team aware of that.”

Newcastle’s supporters have certainly not lost faith in Benitez’s abilities, but with Ashley’s attempts to sell the club heavily dependent on the Magpies avoiding relegation, the sportswear magnate will grow increasingly twitchy if the current winless run continues.

That is not to say that Benitez’s position is under immediate threat, but Ashley and Charnley may feel they have to start considering a contingency plan if the Spaniard continues to refuse to enter into new contractual talks.

That will only add to the sense of uncertainty and ill-feeling that has been building up on Tyneside since the end of last season, but Benitez has mounted a staunch defence of his record in the face of extenuating off-field circumstances.

“I think each manager is different, but you have to consider when I came here, what happened,” he said. “Then when I decided to stay, what happened. When I stayed, what happened, and then what’s happening now.

“We will do well, and we will finish – well, we will stay in the Premier League. I will not say what position, but I have confidence we will do it.”

Salomon Rondon has returned to light training as he completes his recovery from a thigh injury, but will not be considered for today’s game against a Brighton side led by former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton.

Ciaran Clark is also unavailable after sustaining a muscular injury while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, but Paul Dummett returns at left-back after recovering from a hamstring problem.