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Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez looking forward to facing former club Liverpool next season
NEWCASTLE manager Rafa Benitez is looking forward to facing his former club Liverpool next season.
Rafa Benitez looking forward to facing Liverpool next season
Benitez spent six successful years in charge of Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, guiding the Merseysiders to Champions League glory.
The Spaniard also won the FA Cup, Super Cup and the Community Shield during his time at the Reds.
And Benitez is looking forward to going up Jurgen Klopp's side next season after the 2017/18 fixtures were announced this morning.
Newcastle will host Liverpool at St James' Park on September 30 and travel to Anfield on March 3.
Rafa Benitez won the Champions League at Liverpool
Obviously I look forward to the two games with Liverpool
"Obviously I look forward to the two games with Liverpool," Benitez told Newcastle's official website.
"Those days will be extra special for me, but really every game is exciting and every game has its own challenges.
"It will be nice, too, to come up against Chris Hughton and his Brighton side again this season.
Rafa Benitez guided Newcastle to Premier League promotion last season
"This will be Brighton's first time in the Premier League and the way both our clubs performed in the Championship will make it a special game, I think."
Benitez has gone up against Liverpool twice before in his career, first during his brief spell at Chelsea in 2013 and again during the 2014/15 campaign as Newcastle were relegated.
The 57-year-old secured Newcastle's immediate return to the Premier League last season by winning the Championship title.