Newcastle manager takes on Leeds next week.
Manager Rafa Benitez will lead Newcastle United into battle at Elland Road when they face Leeds United next weekend in front of a sell out crowd.
But the keenly anticipated fixture is not the Spaniard’s only experience of Leeds’ famous stadium.
He has done so twice before, winning with Liverpool in 2009, and with Chelsea in 2012.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Ahead of his first visit to the ground in 2009, Benitez discussed his views of Leeds United supporters, and the asset they are to the club.
Leeds were in League One at the time, but maintained impressive crowds despite their dramatic fall from grace.
Benitez was quoted by the Irish Times stating: “I have been watching DVDs of their games and it is clear that their supporters are very important to them. They back their team all the time and make it tough for their opponents.
“Those fans are amazing, such loyalty and support, and that has been very apparent to me in watching tapes from last season.”
David Ngog of Liverpool in action with Leeds’ Jason Crowe (R)
Liverpool went on to win that cup tie 1-0, a result Benitez’s Newcastle would certainly settle for this coming weekend.
Leeds have remained out of the top flight ever since their 2004 relegation, but now, for the first time in a long time, they are dreaming of putting together a promotion push.
The Whites are in sixth place in the Championship, inside the play-off places, and the fans will be more vociferous than ever, making it even tougher than Benitez’s previous experience.
General view inside the stadium before the game – Elland Road
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