Rafa Benitez has refused to get drawn into talk of losing top spot in the Sky Bet Championship table.
However, he has admitted that Newcastle may have to change tactics at home to deal with teams that park the bus on Tyneside.
The Magpies surrendered first place over the festive period with Brighton now leading the way in the second flight.
But Benitez is not flustered, speaking ahead of the clash with Nottingham Forest, he said: “I said before that we aren’t looking at the table.
“We have to concentrate on our games.
“We have 23 games to play now and it’s the same situation.
“We are disappointed because we lost but we still have confidence in our team.”
Benitez, though, does feel his team are performing better away from home.
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And he suggested he may need to rethink his strategy at St James’ Park.
He said: “I am really pleased with the away form. When the team is doing so well away you are pleased.
“If we were doing as well at home we’d be 10 points clear. Teams come here and defend then play counter attack.
“We need to understand how to approach these games. If you can’t win, you shouldn’t give them any hope of a draw.”
Newcastle take on Forest for the second time this month and Benitez knows it will be tough.
He said: “They will be well organised in defence and we have to deal with that. We have to manage these games better.”