Magpies must put their Bez foot forward

JOHN Beresford has urged Newcastle United to “go for the jugular” against Southampton at St James’ Park.

The popular former Toon fullback, who starred for both the Saints and the Magpies, can fully understand Rafa Benitez’s pragmatic approach this season - but feels the south coast side is there for the taking on Saturday.

Beresford watched from the sidelines as an overseas TV pundit at Anfield on Saturday and admits he was disappointed with the way Newcastle finished the game - believing there was still an opportunity to get into Liverpool’s faces.

However, he accepts Benitez could yet show he knows best and lead Newcastle to safety by ensuring the Magpies keep things tight in their last nine games.

Beresford told the Chronicle: “Going back to Liverpool with a five-man defence was what Rafa Benitez decided to do and you could see his thought process when you consider Liverpool’s front three.

“For me, though, it was a bit of a damp squib when the game went to 2-0 because Liverpool seemed to stand off and Newcastle seemed content just to play the game out.

“I would have loved to have seen Newcastle go gung-ho but the fear then was they would lose 5-0 or 6-0, something Rafa will have had in mind.

“It is frustrating because it was a chance to hit them on the break - but maybe Rafa will have the last laugh.

“Goal difference could be the difference between staying up or going down this year.”

Newcastle ended the game with a 2-0 defeat and stayed out of the relegation zone as most results went in their favour - but Beresford was afforded a unique insight into the tactical outlooks of both Benitez and Jurgen Klopp.

Beresford added: “I’m not a manager but my natural instinct in that situation would be to attack Liverpool and make it uncomfortable for them.

“I was working for overseas TV and I was right in between the two managers. It was an interesting position.

“I could hear Rafa Benitez urging Newcastle not to make any stupid mistakes and concede more and I could hear Jurgen Klopp going mental because he wanted Liverpool to attack more!”

Beresford has already started his research ahead of this weekend’s crucial Premier League game at St James’ Park and knows the Saints are feeling a little weary.

He said: “I spoke to Matt Le Tissier the other day and he told me Southampton are trying to grind out results and edge to safety.

“I just hope Newcastle go for it on Saturday at St James’ Park. The crowd will want that.

“Look at the game against Man United, the fans were urging them forward.

“Newcastle should get that desire to go forward back and go for the jugular.

“I have seen both sides and the fear is the game starts too slow and both teams end up accepting a point.”