Rafael Benitez, Reuters
CAIRO – 1 October 2017: Rafael Benitez, Newcastle United`s manager, admitted that he feels Liverpool`s clash in a special way. Newcastle will host Liverpool in the 7th round of the Premier League at St. James’ Park on Sunday evening.
Benitez previously managed Liverpool for six years (2004-2010) as he helped the Reds to get their fifth Champions League title in 2005 and the FA Cup the following season.
He also was in a surly race for the 2008/2009 Premier League title, but Liverpool missed out to Manchester United.
Benitez spoke to the press about Sunday`s match, according to Newcastle’s official website. “Obviously, it’s a special game for me,” he said. “It will be emotional, because I spent so many years there and have so many good memories. My family still lives in Liverpool, so it is my home. I feel like I have a home here, but my family is there. I have a lot of positive, very good relationships with Liverpool fans, including the families connected to Hillsborough. There are a lot of connections, and it will be very emotional.”
He continued, “But, for me, I have to concentrate on Newcastle United trying to win. There are a lot of similarities between the two clubs and the cities. The fans are very passionate – they follow the team and they support the team, even when things are wrong. The two cities are cities of people who work very hard and know what it means to work very hard. There is massive support for both teams – both have big stadiums, with all the fans behind, singing all the time. So, they are very similar.”
Rafael took the manager roles after his Liverpool era at Inter Milan, Chelsea and lastly Real Madrid, before he got sacked after poor results with the Spanish giants.
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