PEP’S BACKING FOR BENITEZ

TOON boss Rafa Benitez returns to Chelsea today with a ringing endorsement of his managerial ability from Man City boss Pep Guardiola. The Newcastle boss was criticised for a negative approach when his side met Guardiola’s City twice recently in a three-week period. That was particularly the case with the way Newcastle defended at when Benitez set up his team to frustrate the league leaders.

City eventually won both matches but the manner in which the Geordies made it difficult for City won the admiration of Guardiola.

Benitez, 57, was interim manager of Chelsea five years ago and returns to The Bridge today in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Guardiola said: “Rafa is a very experienced and successful manager. He has won La Liga and the Champions League and has lifted trophies in England, Italy and Spain.

“He is a great competitor and no matter what game plan he adopts, you know it will not be easy over the 90 minutes.

“It certainly wasn’t for us at St James’ Park, just after Christmas, when we managed a 1-0 win. Newcastle made us work hard for the three points that night.

“In that game we had to show our adaptability as a group. It was difficult to find a way through to goal.

“We did it and deserved the points but Newcastle defended well and in the last minutes made life complicated for us.”

Chelsea may encounter the type of problems City experienced, with Benitez once again planning to make today’s tie as difficult as possible for Antonio Conte’s side.