Benitez defends ‘embarrassing’ Newcastle tactics

RAFA BENITEZ, the Newcastle manager, defended the tactics which led to a fallout with captain Jamaal Lascelles and were the subject of stinging criticism following the 2-1 defeat at home to Chelsea.

MailOnline revealed before yesterday’s game that Lascelles had been dropped after questioning the manager’s decision to play with three centre backs. The skipper wanted to be used in the middle of the three-man back line but, when posted on the righthand side in training last week, voiced concerns and was left out of the team. Benitez stuck to his plan — using a 5-4-1 formation against the Blues — and his side showed little attacking intent during the first half. Sportsmail columnist Jamie Redknapp, speaking on Sky Sports, said: ‘I don’t buy into those tactics. If you’re going to the Etihad, against the champions, by all means. But not at home. The possession stats are embarrassing. If you’re a Newcastle player in that dressing room, you’re embarrassed. Because you know you can play more.’ But Benitez hit back, saying: ‘You have to drive the car you have. When I was with Liverpool we beat Real Madrid 4-0 at home, we were offensive, when I was at Napoli I was offensive, attacking all the time. I would like to play with five strikers if I could. ‘But when I am at Newcastle United I have to manage, I have what I have.’ Chelsea, whose winner came in the 87th minute when DeAndre Yedlin put through his own goal, had 81 per cent possession despite being the away team. But Benitez countered: ‘A long time ago, Barcelona had 80 per cent against 20 per cent against Celtic and they lost the game, the stats are just for the TV. Saturday, at Wolves, Man City had 71 per cent possession and didn’t win. You have to do what you have to do. ‘And we were nearly there, very close. I don’t remember Chelsea making too many chances in the second half.’ Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri said: ‘We knew it would be difficult — Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal lost here last season. It is not easy. ‘But in Italy I have never seen Rafa play with five defenders, it was so compact. So it was difficult. We needed to move the ball fast and be patient.’ The win puts Chelsea level on maximum points with Watford and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. But Sarri added: ‘It means nothing. It’s important to start well. But now, the table is not important.’ Meanwhile, Benitez claimed Lascelles was missing because of an ankle injury but did not deny a fall-out. ‘If players have different opinions then we have to speak about it, and then we stick to the plan.’