The two managers have not seen eye-to-eye in the past, but Warnock has praised Saturday’s opposite number.
Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has told BBC Radio Wales Sport that he cannot help but greatly admire Rafael Benitez for the loyalty he showed in staying at Newcastle United.
Benitez was appointed as Magpies boss for the final months of last season but despite sparking a huge improvement in performances and results he could not save them from relegation.
After the drop, many supporters and pundits expected the Champions League-winning manager to leave the sinking ship, but the Spaniard instead signed an extended deal to stay at St. James’ Park.
He then spent the entire summer transfer window making sweeping changes to his squad ahead of his first season managing in the Championship, and it appears to have paid dividend.
The Magpies are top of the Championship after 15 games, having won 11 and lost just three of their league fixtures so far this term.
Ahead of facing off against Benitez on Saturday, Cardiff boss Warnock has admitted that, despite everything that has gone on the past between the pair, he has to admire the loyalty and commitment shown by Benitez.
Warnock told BBC Radio Wales Sport: “You have to give him credit, he was at Real Madrid a year ago. He comes to Newcastle and sees them relegated but sticks with them.
“He thinks it is a special club and it is. I have to say how much I admire Rafa at the minute. I have nothing but admiration for what he has done [at Newcastle]. To stick with it, a man of his stature, from Real Madrid to Newcastle United and relegation and to stay.
“I know he will be on a good salary, but it is not money that motivates you at our stage in our careers. It is wanting to win things. He sees the project and I have nothing but admiration for him at the moment for what he is doing. I was surprised he stayed. It shows what he thinks about the club.”
That is some show of respect from Warnock, considering that the two managers have had an ongoing feud for nearly a decade.
The animosity stems from Warnock’s strong criticism of Benitez after the Spaniard’s allegedly weakened Liverpool side lost to Fulham in 2007, relegating Warnock’s Sheffield United as a consequence.
Warnock threatened to refuse to shake Benitez’s hand the last time the pair met in the dugout four years ago when Benitez was at Chelsea and Warbock at Leeds, but it appears the Cardiff boss has gained respect for the Spaniard since then.
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