Arsenal manager Unai Emery has heaped praise on Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez, admitting his admiration for his compatriot.
Benitez takes his Magpies side to face the Gunners on Monday evening, looking to secure Newcastle’s second win over the north Londoners since 2010, and the boss at the Emirates Stadium Emery has been quick to sing the praises of his opposite number.
As quoted in the Daily Star, he said: “I respect him a lot because he is a very good coach and has a lot of experience and a lot of titles.
“Here in England he has more experience than me. It is a big reference for us, for me, as a coach, his work and his courage.”
OPINION
Emery’s comments will act as a reminder, as if one was needed, of just how good Benitez is. Sometimes, given the troubles he has had to contend with at St. James’ Park, it can be easy to forget just how highly the Spaniard has managed, and just how much he has achieved during his career as a boss. Without Benitez, it is no stretch to suggest that the Toon Army could easily be in the Championship right now, and yet he continues to get them playing and performing at a level far beyond anything you might expect of them. It is testament to the job that he has done on Tyneside that he has beaten the likes of Manchester City this season, and while the Gunners will still be the favourites on their home turf, you can’t ever rule out this Toon team under their hugely respected, world class manager.
