Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has claimed that all the players are trying to prove themselves in training under new manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spanish boss was appointed on a three-year deal on Friday, just a few hours after Steve McClaren was sacked.

Benitez's first game in charge of the Magpies will be against Premier League leaders Leicester City at the King Power Stadium this evening.

"You have to prove yourself always, and not just because there is a new trainer," Wijnaldum told the club's official website. "Every training, every match, you have to prove yourself, so that's nothing new for me.

"The first time we met the trainer, Rafa Benitez, was a good one - he gave us a good feeling and it was a good first training. You always look forward to working with a coach who has worked for big clubs with a lot of experience.

"He's worked at big clubs so everyone thinks that he can bring us further. Everyone trained hard of course. I think there was also a reaction. One trainers gets fired, another one comes and everyone trying to show themselves."

Newcastle are currently second from bottom in the league table, one point from safety with nine games left to play.