Rafa Benitez isn’t surprised by the impact that Gary Monk has had on Leeds United.
Two years ago the former Swansea boss was one of the rising stars in the management game and considered a future England boss.
Almost a year ago he was surprisingly sacked by the Welsh club and left on the outside looking in.
Taking over at Leeds United looked a dangerous career move but with British managers struggling to get a look in at Premier League clubs Monk has made a favourable impression at the Yorkshire club.
In February 2014, as manager of Napoli, Benitez found himself up against Swansea and although the Italian side progressed the current Newcastle boss was impressed by the way Monk had the Welsh side playing.
“I think (Garry Monk) is doing really well,” Benitez said. “(At Napoli), we played against Swansea, and we beat them 3-1 in our stadium and drew 0-0 away, both games were very difficult.
“I could see what he was doing there, and I can see what he is doing now. He is a good manager, a young manager and he is growing.”
On the back of three successive league wins Elland Road will be sold out for the first time in six years despite the match being shown live on Sky Sports, kick off 1pm.
