Toon due more credit, claims Rafa
RAFA BENITEZ insists promoted Brighton were always favourites to go up – and his Newcastle side have done well to live with them.
The Seagulls, managed by Toon’s 2010 Championship title-winning boss Chris Hughton, missed a chance to clinch the crown when they were beaten 2-0 at his former club, Norwich, on Friday.
But Geordies boss Benitez believes Brighton’s experience of losing to Sheffield Wednesday in a play-off semi-final last season has given them the edge over their rivals.
And he says second-placed Newcastle, who face Preston at St James’ Park tomorrow night, deserve credit for pushing Brighton all the way.
Benitez said: “These players deserve a lot of credit. They are doing really well.
“I always thought Brighton would be one of our main challengers.
“It’s a massive difference. I said before, the experience and also the money they have spent.
“You see where Brighton are, you see where Sheffield Wednesday are with teams that have been there.
“When we played Sheffield, I spoke with Carlos Carvalhal about the players he had from the play-off final last season.
“So all the teams who were near the top last season, for me, they could be up there again.
“And when you talk about 46 games, that experience, it’s massive, it’s crucial. We have people here who went up with Hull, and when you talk with them they say we are doing really well.’’
Benitez added: “Obviously, everybody was expecting Norwich and Aston Villa to be up there, but the fact they are not proves it’s a very difficult division.
“Huddersfield bought players, they know the division, and they are doing well. They have nothing to lose, they have confidence and momentum.
“The other teams, those with experience, have players who know the division – Leeds also have players who know the division.
“For us to be there, to change the team and bring in a lot of new players, then put all of them together and do well, I think it’s a great achievement.