DON’T BLAME JAMAAL!
BENITEZ BACKS SKIPPER AFTER BACKLASH OVER MIKE ASHLEY COMMENTS
Rafa Benitez says Jamaal Lascelles was surprised by the backlash to his comments about Mike Ashley.
Lascelles, Newcastle United’s captain, said he thought owner Ashley was a “nice guy” after signing a new six-year deal at the club.
The 24-year-old was speaking of his first impressions of Ashley, who he met at an Italian restaurant last month.
Ashley’s meal with Benitez and his players came amid protests against the billionaire, who refused to back his manager in the summer’s transfer market.
Supporters – who want Ashley to sell up – have been demonstrating before home games and plan to step up their protests over the coming weeks.
Lascelles’ comments provoked a backlash on social media ahead of this afternoon’s home game against Watford.
And Benitez spoke to Lascelles yesterday about the furore.
“I would say he was surprised (at the reaction),” said Benitez.
“He didn’t expect that. It was a straight question. He was being natural, normal and honest. So he was a bit surprised.
“I told him concentrate on scoring the winning goal, and that’s it.”
Asked for his thoughts on Lascelles’ remarks, Benitez said: “I was talking with him. He’s a young lad, the environment was a dinner and the theory was to create a good atmosphere.
“You cannot say he knows the owner. His first impression was that, that’s it. He said that.
“For us, it’s really more important to concentrate on what we can do on the pitch, not what he said. It won’t change anything (against Watford).”
“I’m trying to say that his first impression was at a dinner in an environment that was quite relaxed. And he said that. After we can put headlines. The reality is that this is the only time Jamaal has met him. That’s it.
“A lot of people, when you talk to them, they are fine, then after you don’t like them too much, or he’s nice. In this case, we’re talking about one conversation with the owner, talking about general things, not just about football. That’s it. We have to move forward.
“We have to make sure that Jamaal, when he goes on the pitch, he gives everything, which he’s doing already.
“He has a five-year contract, he extended it one more year. It’s a positive signal for me.”