Liverpool’s final away game of the season comes against Newcastle
Rafa Benitez has admitted he “cannot win” when his Newcastle side take on former club Liverpool next month.
Liverpool are embroiled in a title race with Manchester City which looks set to go down to the wire. Should Benitez’s men take points off them in the game – their last at St James’ Park this season – it could deny the Merseysiders their first league crown since 1990.
With Newcastle’s spot in the top flight now secure for next season, some Liverpool fans have suggested the Spaniard might do his old club a favour in terms of his selection for the game on Tyneside.
Understandably, Benitez has rejected the idea that he will do anything other than try and guide Newcastle to victory in the game. He has, however, conceded he is bound to face criticism regardless of how the result pans out – be it from Liverpool supporters or City fans.
“That is a game that I can’t win,” he told talkSPORT after his team’s win over Southampton.
“If we win, they [the Liverpool fans] will say: ‘Oh, [he should be helping us].’ And, if you lose [City fans]: ‘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.”
Before their trip to St James’ Park, Liverpool also face a home game against already relegated Huddersfield Town next Friday. Their final league game of the season will see them host Wolves.
