Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has insisted that his side will make up for their Premier League relegation by succeeding in the top flight this season.
The Spaniard, who started in his side's 1-0 win over Swansea City last Sunday, says that his side are ready to prove why they belong in the Premier League.
Captain Jamaal Lascelles netted the winner against the Swans, which saw Newcastle record back-to-back top-flight wins for the first time since December 2015.
Assistant coaches Antonio Gomez, Mikel Antia and Miguel Moreno took charge of the Magpies on Sunday as manager Rafael Benitez recovered from a hernia operation.
"Several of the players here went through relegation and we want to put that right by showing what we can do in the Premier League and that we belong here," Perez told The Mirror.
"We had to go into the Championship and it was a tough year – nobody feels good when you get relegated, but we worked very hard to get back into the Premier League.
"Now we are here, we want to show everyone we deserve to be here, and we have to keep that mentality because it is a long, tough season."
Newcastle host Stoke City on Saturday before a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, who were automatically promoted last season alongside the Magpies.
Dan Saney
