Rafa: Toon won’t focus on Salah

RAFA Benitez says he is not surprised at the success of Mo Salah at Liverpool this season, writes LEE RYDER.

The Newcastle United boss had the Egyptian international in his sights long before the winger burst onto the scene with the Reds to chalk up a staggering return of 31 goals by the end of February.

But despite Salah’s blistering pace and lethal finishing this season, Benitez has warned his side not to focus solely on stopping the former Roma ace.

Benitez said: “To be fair I know him really well. We were following him years ago then he came to England.

“I have a friend in Egypt who knows players and we spoke about this option.

“You can’t do it with the money available now. He has improved a lot. Jurgen Klopp is doing a good job because he has an offensive team and an offensive mentality.

“I read an interview the other day about how he can stay higher and close to the box because he can score more goals. He has the pace and ability to do it.”

Newcastle will need to sharpen up their concentration levels after throwing a 2-0 lead at AFC Bournemouth and when asked if Salah should be targeted, Benitez replied: “It’s not just about him.

“If you only focus on him then Firmino, Sadio Mane or anybody else could be a threat.

“Liverpool are really good on the counter-attack. They have pace and energy.

“So we have to be sure it isn’t all about him, we have to control everyone.”