PREMIER LEAGUE

RAFA BENITEZ has hit out at critics of Newcastle’s parkthe-bus tactics against the Premier League big guns.

The Toon chief is preparing for another containment job against Manchester United.

But with just one point from seven games against the top sides, some are starting to question that approach.

Benitez claims other relegation-threatened sides have been even more negative, but had the luck of one or two counter-attacks.

He said: “Criticism doesn’t annoy me really, but I was surprised we were accused of being defensive by the pundits when I have seen a lot of things more defensive than us.

“I have seen teams defending on the penalty spot. Two lines: one on the penalty spot, one on the edge of the box. Then they have one counter-attack and score and ‘wow, fantastic tactics’. And our tactics are not good enough?”

Benitez has sparred on and off the pitch for years with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, but refuses to play mind games any more because he says their current teams are not on the same level.

“For you the mind games are more important,” said Benitez. “For me it was preparation of the games. I was not worried about the mind games, I was worried about my team. “If you say something and the other manager says something and you win the

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