Stan Collymore has suggested that Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle United in May could be one of the standout fixtures of their run-in, but claims that the Reds shouldn’t expect any favours from former boss Rafa Benitez.
Jurgen Klopp takes his men to St. James’ Park on May 5th, but believes that they could face a stern test.
Writing in his column for the Mirror, he said: “The stand-out games for Jurgen Klopp’s men now are their final two fixtures, against Newcastle and Wolves in May.
“There’ll be one or two people hoping Rafa Benitez, the man who led Liverpool to Champions League glory, will rest a couple of his Toon players for the penultimate game and be heard humming ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ on his way to the dugout at St James’ Park.
“But he is the consummate pro and will want to win that game as much as any.”
OPINION
Benitez is a legend on Merseyside, and rightly so. The Spaniard endeared himself to the locals not only through the glory he brought to Anfield, but also in the dignified and respectful manner in which he conducted himself throughout his tenure with the Reds. There would be nobody as pleased to see his former side lift the Premier League trophy than he would be, but that doesn’t mean that he will just roll over when he faces them on May 5th. No self-respecting manager could ever do such a thing, and he owes it to the Toon Army, especially after the torrid season they have had, to go all out for a win. Whether that will make any difference against this imperious Liverpool side remains to be seen, of course, but you can rest assured that the Magpies will be as up for this one as they have been for any game this season.
