Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie has reassured fans that manager Rafael Benitez is "happy and upbeat" at the club despite seemingly being at loggerheads with owner Mike Ashley.
The Magpies have made as many as seven new signings ahead of the new Premier League campaign, but the Spaniard has often cut a frustrated figure regarding the Magpies' transfer policies.
In addition, reports have surfaced suggesting that a dressing room revolt is going on at Newcastle, with players apparently refusing to speak to the media over a bonus dispute with the club.
However, Ritchie has moved to calm fan fears over their manager's future and also stated that there is harmony within the Newcastle camp.
Asked if Benitez is happy at St James' Park, Ritchie told talkSPORT: "I'd say so, yes, absolutely. In training he is very upbeat.
"One of his best qualities is he's never too high and never too low, and I think that's really important for a team like us, because we're not going to win every game, we move onto the next one and try and improve. That's one of the very important qualities he gives the group.
"There is absolutely harmony within the club, for sure. We had a really good pre-season, although we didn't have really good results, we got a lot of minutes in our legs. I think the performance against Tottenham [a 2-1 home defeat] showed we've got a lot to work on but it also showed there are good things and positive things we can build on.
"With the protests, the fans are going to have their opinion and their say, but I can certainly reassure you that everything is very positive at the football club. As players we want to concentrate on the football. Everyone is focussed on trying to achieve better than last year."
Newcastle return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to newly-promoted Cardiff City.
Giuseppe Labellarte
