Christian Atsu defends Rafael Benitez

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Feb 15, 2018. 17:00

Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu has come to the defence of Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard has generally been embraced by Magpies fans for leading them back to the Premier League, and earned further goodwill this past weekend thanks to a surprise 1-0 win over Manchester United.

However, their current fight against relegation and the allegation that Newcastle are too defensive has seen some critics question Benitez’s approach.

Atsu, though, believes the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager is doing everything he can to take the club in the right direction.

“He loves to play football,” Astu said, as reported by the Newcastle Chronicle.

“He loves to be compact, aside that he is very good with the players.

“He asks how we are feeling and how we’re doing. Rafa asks if we are tired and things. He doesn’t just do things on his own but he looks after us and sets up the training.

“We’re very happy to have him. He’s a great manager and he is doing very well. Aside from football he is also a good, good man.”