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Newcastle news: Rafa Benitez is ‘getting away with it’ - Graeme Souness slams Toon boss
NEWCASTLE manager Rafa Benitez is “getting away” with his defensive style of football because of all the negativity surrounding the club, claims former United manager Graeme Souness.
Souness was speaking at half time of Newcastle’s home Premier League clash against Chelsea.
It was clear the hosts had set up to sit back and look to hit Chelsea on the counter.
The game goalless at the interval and Souness says he would never have been allowed to play that way when he was manager.
But he reckons the uncertainty surrounding owner Mike Ashley’s future at the club and the lack of spending in the transfer market has given Benitez licence to play this way.
I think they’re getting away with it because there’s so much ill-feeling here directed towards the owner. The manager’s playing on that somewhat
“No definitely not (would I have got away with it),” he said on Sky Sports.
“It’s like Newcastle are playing a big European tie away from home. If that was the case, you’d be saying they are doing a great job. Disciplined, organised, all know what they are doing.
“But Newcastle are a big football club, this is a big football club. I think people will be surprised at the way they’re playing today.
“You have a go at home, certainly in my time here you had to have a real go. Playing this way would not have been acceptable.
“But I think they’re getting away with it because there’s so much ill-feeling here directed towards the owner. The manager’s playing on that somewhat.
“He’s playing a brand of football that doesn’t excite. But he’s saying I have to do that because that’s all I’ve got.
“There may be an argument for that as well.
"They’re disciplined, they could nick it on the break, but it’s a hard sell to players."
Souness’ colleague Jamie Redknapp says no other manager in the top flight would get away with playing the way Rafa Benitez does at home.
“I think he’s the only manager in the Premier League who can get away with this, the way that he plays,” the former Liverpool midfielder said.
“He’s earned a living out of playing this way.
"It’s hard to watch, it’s hard to sell to your own team.”
Newcastle lost the game 2-1, with an own goal from DeAndre Yedlin condemning the hosts to their second home defeat from two this season.