Newcastle United star Emil Krafth believes that the Magpies must continue to go step by step in their quest to reach the top in the Premier League.
The Sweden international full-back signed a new contract this week in Portugal with the 27-year-old ecstatic with the offer from Eddie Howe. It's all a far cry from Krafth's early days on Tyneside as he adapted to life in the Premier League not to mention the days of fierce fan protests under the management of Steve Bruce and unpopular owner Mike Ashley.
Now, though, Krafth can look forward to the future. Speaking about his new deal and comparisons to then and now, Krafth said: "What can I say? I came to a club where the supporters weren’t really happy, so I’m very happy for the club that the takeover went through.
READ MORE: Matty Bondswell's insight into Eddie Howe's Newcastle United man management methods
"Since then, it’s only going uphill. I hope we can continue and build for the future. I think, in the near-future, Newcastle’s going to be a top-six club in the Premier League, but it’s not going to happen overnight.
"It’s going to take some time. "But, I think, in the near-future, is going to be a top club. As players, we want to play at the highest level. I hope, and really think, that the club’s going to be there in a few years."
Krafth also stated that Howe's playing style, with a more attack-minded 4-3-3 formation for the most part, suits him better than the back five Bruce rolled out for most of his career. And he admits the mood in the city since the takeover has been nothing short of fantastic.
He said: "I think a big part of it has been the takeover and the coach. Eddie really believed in me, and the way that he wanted to play suits me, like pressing high. I just think the way we play, and how the coach believes in you, gives you confidence.
"It can for any player. It’s not just me. You see more and more players at the club have raised their levels as well. I’m one of them. I think it’s just the way the coach wants to play, and how he believes in you."
Krafth's contract was arguably won during Kieran Trippier's injury absence with a foot injury when the Swede played some of his best football since signing for the club from Amiens in France.
The defender, now signed up until 2024, said: "I’m very happy to stay at Newcastle, to extend my stay here with one more year. I think I played really well last season.
"After Tripps got injured, he gave me the chance, and I think I took it. I think I deserve to have an extension. We had a good talk, me and the club and my agent. I’m very happy that we found a solution here."
United will now face Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao at home and go into the weekend double on the back of a 3-2 defeat in Benfica. Krafth has looked back on the defeat and is looking forward to two tests against Serie A and La Liga opponents.
He said: "I think it was a good test for us. They’re a good side, playing at home with their fans behind them. We didn’t deserve to lose, 2-2 after the first half, and, I think, in the first 20 minutes of the second half we were dominating them, pressing high and winning the ball back, and I think we deserved to score one or two goals in the second half as well, but it’s small margins.
"In the end, we got a red card and had to defend a little bit more. They scored a goal. Overall, I think it’s a good test for us, and we have two more important games. It’s good to play home. It’s good for us to have two home games before the Premier League starts."
READ NEXT
I wouldn't say no - Eddie Howe response when asked about signing Portugal's best players
Werner's agency refuse to comment on Newcastle link as huge wage demands emerge
Botman's candid story of Newcastle switch after AC Milan claimed victory on deal
Newcastle United can offer Timo Werner what he wants after Chelsea exit comments
Joelinton suspension explained after Newcastle United star sees red in Benfica clash
