in , , , , ,

Newcastle boss reveals what Jose Mourinho told him after the final whistle of their intense clash

Rafa Benitez

Rafael Benitez has revealed that Jose Mourinho had nothing but praise for Newcastle United’s dodged and determined performance in their 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Matt Ritchie’s goal in the second-half proved to be the difference between both the sides as Mourinho left St.James’ Park without a win yet again, meaning his side remain a huge 16 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.

After the match, the United manager publicly heaped praise on Benitez and co, claiming that the hosts ‘fought like animals’.

“Newcastle United’s players and, of course, their staff gave what they have and what they don’t have and I think that’s a beautiful thing in football,” Mourinho was quoted by the Guardian.

“I think they came to fight for a point but found themselves 1-0 up and, from that point, went beyond all the limits. They showed everything a manager likes to see in this game. I can imagine that Benítez is more than pleased with the effort. Were they lucky? Yes, they were but sometimes you make your own luck with your state of mind. The way they fought for every last thing is a beautiful thing.

“After a few defeats Sir Bobby once told me: ‘Don’t feel so sad, think about the happiness of the other team,’” Mourinho recalled.

“I know Benítez loves football and I know he’s very, very happy. Obviously I’m very disappointed with the defending on the goal; we missed the challenge in the air. I remember the Newcastle player jumping and two of my players standing and looking at him.”

Newcastle boss Benitez has revealed that Mourinho also had some admirable words for him and his team on the touchline after the final whistle.

“Congratulations” and “you did well”, so more or less what he said before, that the team was working so hard and not necessarily that we deserved it because they had chances and he would be thinking they could have scored,” Benitez was quoted by the Metro.

“But he had analysed the games before and thought we had been a little bit unlucky and that we were doing well.

“Against a top side, you have to do it this way and it’s good to see him praising our players, but that is the only way for us. I’m really proud of them because that is the way to be sure that you can stay in the Premier League.”

We were awful against Newcastle and won’t stay in 2nd position for long if we keep coming up with such performances.

Written by Rohan Sengupta

Newcastle skipper gives his honest verdict on Manchester United’s performance in the 1-0 loss

Chris Smalling United

Mourinho ready to offload star duo and sign Real Madrid ace and £50m Englishman as replacement