You want us to go and attack? What do you call this then?
IT’S HORSES FOR COURSES SAYS RAFA AS HE REJECTS CRITICISM OF HIS TACTICS
RAFA Benitez does not feel he has to play up talk of Newcastle United going on the attack against Southampton this weekend – because the Magpies have done exactly that in their last three home games.
Benitez’s side registered 10 goal attempts against Manchester United in the 1-0 win in their last home game, 14 against Burnley in the 1-1 draw before that and a dozen efforts on goal in the 1-1 draw with Swansea City.
The Toon boss was on the end of some criticism for having a defensive approach against Liverpool but he feels the last quarter of the game was a good indication of how things may have panned out had he tried something more adventurous.
Benitez had no issue talking about his tactics to the Chronicle in the build-up to the game with the Saints.
He said: “Some people talk about tactics but they don’t analyse the games. We approach some matches with the idea of staying in the game.
“We played a 5-4-1 formation (at Liverpool), trying to counterattack.
“As soon as we conceded the second goal we made the substitution and played four at the back.
“Then we had three counterattacks against us.
“We could have conceded another two or three goals.
“So it means when you are open against teams like Liverpool then you are more exposed.
“Every time you attack you have to create something or you will suffer like we did towards the end against Liverpool.
“The three incidents at the end of the game were because they were running behind us with our line of four.
“We were trying to change at one end with the score at 2-0 but it could have been even worse.
“It is the risk you have to take when you face the top sides.”
With the Saints travelling north and expected to play a counter-attacking system, Benitez looked ahead to the game and added: “It’s totally different in every game.
“Against Manchester United at home we attacked.
“We did the same against Swansea and Burnley.
“The question is not just about creating chances, it is a question of the other team too.
“Liverpool have scored fours and fives this season so we had to be strong enough in defence.”
Southampton arrive on Tyneside as the draw specialists in the Premier League with 13 in the bag so far.
Benitez said: “Against Southampton, at home, we have to create and attack. “They are quite good on the counter. They get good possession stats at around 60% so they are good on the ball. “We must still try to control the game and attack them one way or another. “If we can win it will be really good because there are too many teams around us. Every win is massive. “The main thing is they will be below you and we have more chance to stay up. “First of all we need to win, then we will look at the table.” Newcastle will head off to Spain next week for a four-day break on the Costa Blanca with a friendly match expected as part of the mini-tour. Benitez wants to go there in the right spirit and said: “Every game is massive and the next one always seems like the most important. “Yet at the same time you play against a team which is close to you. “It is important to get three points and to go away feeling relaxed but focused on trying to improve things.”