Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United host Liverpool in the English Premier League on Sunday and the manager says playing against his former side will be a special and emotional experience.
The Spaniard was in charge of the Merseyside club
for six years from 2004 and guided them to their fifth Champions League
title in his debut season.
After spells at Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and
Real Madrid, Benitez was brought in to save Newcastle from relegation in
March last year.
He did not succeed but helped them back into the
top flight immediately and faces his old side which he has not lost
against in two previous meetings.
“It’s a special game for me. It will be emotional,
because I spent so many years there, and have so many good memories. My
family still live in Liverpool, so it is my home,” Benitez told
Newcastle’s website (www.nufc.co.uk).
“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.”
Nostalgia aside, Benitez said he is focused on ensuring his team get all three points against Liverpool.
Newcastle are 10th in the league with nine points from six games.
“I have to concentrate on Newcastle United, trying to win,” he said.
Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp seeks his first victory over Newcastle
United to stay close to the four teams above his side in the league
table.