Gary Neville cheekily told Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez not to relax and that his side needed three more points when the Spaniard was asked about facing Liverpool.
Kelly Cates asked Benitez about the Magpies’ upcoming games after they beat Leicester City 1-0 and pointed out that his team were set to come up against one of the title challengers in the form of the Reds.
Neville quickly shouted “Don’t relax!” a couple of times with Jamie Carragher saying “Mind games” in response, before the former Manchester United man went on to add that the Magpies still needed three points.
“Don’t relax! You still need three more points,” said Neville on Friday Night Football (Sky Sports Premier League, 22:13, April 12th).
Benitez was unfazed by Neville’s cheeky remarks and gave a predictable answer as he shared the Magpies were taking it game by game and that they would try to do their best.
“We will see what happens in the next one and if we play against Liverpool, and they’re top, we’re do our best, we’ll try to do our best,” said the Magpies manager.
OPINION
Neville and Carragher were notably laughing while remarking on Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Newcastle, so much so they actually spoke over Benitez at one point. Neville, who is obviously split on whether he wants the Reds or Manchester City to win the Premier League title this season, clearly was trying to wind Carragher up a little by trying to ensure the Magpies didn’t take their foot of the pedal against the Reds. The Magpies’ 1-0 win over the Foxes looks like securing their Premier League status for another year, so they won’t really have too much to play for by the time they come up against the Reds. When that happens, it can effect a team’s performance. It could see the Magpies play with no fear and a sense of freedom which could make them a more dangerous prospect or it could see them not be at 100% and be easier for the Reds to brush aside.
