Leeds ace Pablo Hernandez regards Newcastle boss highly.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
When Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle take on Leeds this weekend, he will have to hope his side can keep Pablo Hernandez quiet.
The Spaniard has created more chances per game than any other player in the Championship this season so far, and has been a key figure in Leeds’ successful run this past campaign.
Hernandez is likely to start for the Whites, and regards Newcastle boss Benitez highly.
Benitez was manager at Valencia when Hernandez was in the B team, and watched with admiration as the manager led Los Che to a La Liga title.
Hernandez went on to establish himself at Valencia after Benitez left for Liverpool, but was full of praise for the legacy the manager left behind.
Pablo Hernandez during the press conference
He told The Express in 2013: “Rafa is a king in Valencia and the people love him there because he won three important titles. The club haven’t won anything since.”
Hernandez has taken on Benitez on a couple of occasions since, with Swansea against Napoli, and previously Chelsea.
Nottingham Forests’ Henri Lansbury in action with Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez
He credits Benitez with helping encouraging his success, telling the South Wales Post: “I used to see Rafa at the training ground and the way he worked with players.
“He used to make sure that the young players had a lot of work so it was possible for them in the future to play for the first team.”
The attacking midfielder will hope to be a thorn in Benitez’s side this weekend, and knock him off his throne, temporarily at least.
Leeds have risen to sixth in the table, and while they are 11 points behind first place Newcastle, they are full of confidence that they can go toe to toe with the league leaders.
Bristol City’s Marlon Pack and Leeds’ Pablo Hernandez in action
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