Rafa Benítez admits Reds’ trip to Newcastle “is a game that I can’t win”

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Former Reds boss Rafael Benítez has admitted that he’ll be in a bit of tricky situation when we go to St James’ Park in May to face up against his Newcastle United side.

“That is a game that I can’t win”, the Spaniard confessed in comments reported by The Chronicle via talkSPORT.

“If we win, they will say: ‘Oh, [he should be helping us].’ And, if you lose: ‘Oh, he was not giving everything.’

“I will not talk too much about this game until it comes around. I was in Liverpool winning trophies. Why? Because I was professional and I was fighting against anyone.

“Some people will criticise me because I was fighting against Manchester United. It’s my job to do the best for my team, and I will try to do the best for my team [against Liverpool], that’s it.”

A fierce competitor and an all-out professional, Benítez will of course try and win the game regardless; but he’s obviously aware that he’s damned if he does and he’s damned if he doesn’t. Sorry Rafa!

Our win over Cardiff has mathematically guaranteed Newcastle’s safety after they also did themselves a huge favour by taking three points off Southampton. Some Reds have even gone so far as to suggest that the now safe Rafa would be ready to do us a favour.

We’re in a tightest of battles as the title race with Manchester City goes down to the wire. We’re still two points ahead but City have a game in hand (albeit away to Manchester United on Wednesday).

If Newcastle lose, City fans will accuse Rafa of throwing the game while if we fail to win against the Magpies some Liverpool fans will probably launch criticism at the Newcastle boss for ruining hopes of winning the league.

It’s almost certain that we’ll need to take maximum points from our last three fixtures against Huddersfield, the Magpies, and Wolves.

Rafa nearly gave us the long-desired league title in the 2008-09 season, but feel behind to a different Manchester club in Sir Alex Ferguson’s United. Now, some Reds feel like he can ignite his love for Liverpool and help us do it this time by rolling over on the rescheduled matchday of May 4th.

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