Rafa Benitez explains how fans gave Newcastle an extra 5% against Liverpool

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has expressed his pleasure at being given full support by the Toon army via a banner flashed during the Magpies’ recent 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Benitez was greeted with a banner written in his native Spanish language during Newcastle United’s recent 1-1 draw against Liverpool which read, “We will follow you everywhere, we’ll always have your back. In spite of the lies they tell us, we’ll never doubt you. We are with you.”

This support from the fans seems to have touched the tactician, who has now expressed his delight at having received such respect from his fans and explained that the support gave the players an extra push during the game.

Speaking in the post-match interview, the 57-year-old said, “The banner said they support me, they will be with me and they trust me. I was really pleased because, the relationship is very good and it was with both fans, so I’m very pleased.

“It is not what you are expecting when you go to a club, but if you give everything they fans give you everything. It is not just me, it is the way they are behind the team they give the team an extra 5%.”

The former Liverpool boss has stuck with Newcastle since the latter part of 2015/16 season, despite the Magpies getting relegated, and led them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

This season too, Benitez has had a fantastic start with his team, earning 10 points in their first seven games.