Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has waxed lyrical about Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez by hailing him as a “great manager”.
The two teams clash on Wednesday night in the Premier League at Wembley, as they play out their penultimate fixtures of the season.
Spurs still have plenty on the line in their matches and are trying to hold off a late assault from fifth-placed Chelsea in the battle for the top four.
Meanwhile, the Magpies know that their top-flight status is secured and will be aiming to finish the campaign on a high.
Pochettino has decided to praise opposite number Benitez for his quality ahead of the match and feels he has done a great job at St James’ Park this season.
:Fantastic season, fantastic job that he’s doing there, Rafa, with all the circumstances,” Pochettino said, as quoted by Football.London.
“Yes, I know him (Benitez). He’s Spanish. I admire him, he’s a great manager. I’ve met him many times, we have a very good relationship.”
OPINION
Senior man Benitez is the mastermind behind Newcastle’s success this season and they can obtain a top-10 finish, despite being considered as strong contenders to suffer relegation in the early months of the campaign. The Spanish boss has got every ounce out of his players to help them climb up the league table and understandably the foot has come off the gas a little recently. They should look to finish on a high and will end up playing a big say in the race for the top four. Newcastle’s remaining fixtures are against London duo Spurs and Chelsea, meaning they could wreck the party for one of them if they spring a surprise. Benitez has received widespread praise for his efforts this campaign and the club would be daft not to financially back him in the summer months, but it remains to be seen what will happen with owner Mike Ashley.
