The Newcastle United midfielder believes he is learning from one of the best in Rafael Benitez.
Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has told Sky Sports that he is learning from “one of the greatest managers of this current era” in Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard, formerly in charge of Liverpool, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, will take Newcastle to sixth in the Premier League with victory away to Burnley on Monday.
That is after stabilising the Magpies following their relegation from the top flight in 2016 and bringing them back up as Championship winners at the first attempt.
Shelvey spoke incredibly highly of Benitez and described how the 57-year-old commands respect from everybody inside the club because of his knowledge and work ethic.
“[Benitez] is very detailed in the way he works,” Shelvey is quoted by Sky Sports as saying. “And if something is not right, then you will be made to do it again and do it again which for us is very beneficial because you are constantly learning. And if you do not listen, then you are not going to play with Rafa.
“You have to take it on board and learn very quickly. You can tell that in the way we have set up this year and how well drilled and organised we are. And this is a credit to Rafa and his coaching staff.
“It is just about taking in everything he says and learning off one of the greatest managers of this current era.
“He just gives an aura when he comes into the room, everyone shuts up and listens to him. A manager needs that and he has that in abundance.”
Benitez’s CV does support Shelvey’s opinion that he is one of the best managers of his generation.
The ex-Valencia boss has won two La Liga titles, two Europa League trophies, domestic cups in England and Italy and, most famously, the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.
Building on his good work at St James’ Park and turning Newcastle into a force in English football would be his greatest achievement yet.
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