Leeds match will be the closest thing to a derby for us this season – that’s fine by me, says Rafa
RAFA Benitez says he has no problem if Newcastle United go into the game with Leeds with a derby-style approach.
The Magpies have had no North East derbies this season and with both Sunderland and Middlesbrough facing the prospect of relegation, plus United hoping to win promotion, it could be some time before such rivalries unfold again. Therefore, the clash with Garry Monk’s Leeds could be the closest thing fans may have to a derby clash for at least one season.
Newcastle and Leeds used to be involved in bitter clashes during the early Premier League era.
The Magpies go into this one having already silenced Leeds fans in the 2-0 win at Elland Road this season.
When asked if this felt like a derby game in some ways, Benitez told the Chronicle: “If we have that as extra motivation, for us that will be quite good.
“Sometimes the problem we have had is the games people have expected us to win easily have been difficult.
“We had more problems and more anxiety and we paid for that.
“In this case, everybody will be on their toes.
“Then everybody will be ready and
we can play well from the beginning.” Benitez played down Newcastle’s position and some games earlier in the campaign when he knew there was a long way to go.
Yet he was happy to build up the Leeds game as one of the “biggest” games of the season to date.
With TV cameras in place for a live clash, Benitez added: “It is true. Leeds are doing well and Garry Monk is doing a good job.
“They are in the play-off places at the moment so it will be a massive game for two big clubs.
“It is a possibility also for people to keep an eye on us and watch the game.
“So I can take that as a positive and motivation for our players.
“They need to be sure that everybody is focused and concentrating on having a good game.
“We want to quickly forget about the mistakes of the other day.
“We want to put things right as soon as possible.”
Benitez could have DeAndre Yedlin back for the game while Matt Ritchie has shaken off a knock picked up in the defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
He said: “Everybody is available and training apart from Ciaran Clark, who is very close, and Gayle, for who it is too early.”