WAGNER’S A KLOPP STAR
Benitez: David is like Kop boss in aggressive way teams play
RAFA BENITEZ reckons David Wagner has the makings of Jurgen Klopp Mark II.
Newcastle boss Benitez and Huddersfield counterpart Wagner, who meet head-on today at the John Smith’s Stadium, established a rapport as they both won promotion last season. The Terriers marked their first-ever Premier League game by winning 3-0 at Crystal Palace. And former Liverpool chief Benitez recognises the influence current Anfield boss Klopp has had on protege Wagner, who worked under him at Borussia Dortmund. Benitez said: “Their style is very similar because they’re quite offensive and quite aggressive in the way their teams play. Wagner is doing a great job. “He’s already a good manager and he has the potential to be better. But football is complicated and you have to wait and see if you can keep your consistency.’’
Benitez insists the pressure on Wagner and his side is much less compared to the huge weight of expectation on Tyneside.
The Toon manager said: “They have the same advantage as last season – because they have nothing to lose.
“They’ve signed nine or 10 players, but will they change a lot? Maybe not, but they’ll be more dangerous.’’
Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot believes Huddersfield are potentially a tougher proposition than Tottenham, who won 2-0 at St James’ Park a week ago.
He said: “They’re a fantastic team. Their intensity and pressing are very high, so we expect a tough game, especially with it being their first at home in the Premier League. It might even be tougher than Tottenham.’’
Meanwhile, Benitez has told banned Jonjo Shelvey he has to learn from his senseless sending-off against Spurs.
Benitez said: “He knows he has made a mistake because he apologised to everyone. Now we have to be sure, in the future, he will have more control.”