Rafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez
Rafael "Rafa" Benítez Maudesis a Spanish football coach currently managing Newcastle United. He is the only manager in history to have won the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup...
arsenal close means second sure third win
With Spurs and Arsenal having to play each other, it means we probably only need one more win to make sure of a top-four finish. We are very close now to securing third place, with second still something we have as a possibility.
controlled game half organised pressure second
We started off by controlling the game and were well organised and in the second half they did put some pressure on us but then we controlled the game at the end of the game,
good last second situation
This is very different from the situation last season. This is very good for us. Now we can concentrate on the second round.
good half pace second space
We had more space in the second half and more pace -- and at the end 2-0 is a good result.
beat last season win
That win last season was important for us. They know we can beat them,
cup determined fans finish job order preparing wonderful
We wanted to finish the job off today, ... in order to concentrate on preparing for the UEFA Cup final. Also, we were determined to do it for all the wonderful fans who have cheered us on today.
clean match points scoring sheets shows start three time
This time we are going into the match with a lot of confidence. We have three clean sheets and two points away from home. That's not bad, but we know we need to start scoring goals. We've done that in midweek, so that shows that's not going to be a problem.
character defeat hard worked
We worked very hard and showed a lot of character after the midweek defeat by Charlton. It was an important win.
defeat hard last performance worked
We worked really hard for the win...after the last performance (a 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic) we showed we had character.
goals good start
We started really well with two goals and good counter-attacks. But, after we conceded, it was difficult. But the most important thing is to start with a win.
asking compact defense good looked needed people score
We looked organized, compact in defense and scored two good goals. People said we needed to score and we managed that ... I think we did all the things people are asking of us.
respect
I have a lot of respect for Sofia, and they play well in attack,
believe chelsea gap table
I don't believe the gap between Chelsea and us is as big as the Premiership table shows,
bad balance high
He's got high energy, always working and he's not bad with the ball. I think he can give us balance in midfield.