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Newcastle United’s approach can be risky, but Rafa Benitez prefers it that way

By Roy Emanuel

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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“Nobody ever mentions the weather, can make or break your day…”

Newcastle United were the talk of the Premier League weekend, as their 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday was an inspired performance. Manager Rafa Benitez ultimately relied on the team’s hard work and desire to earn three points against the Red Devils, and that is something that he will want to see more of.

The Magpies utilise a tactical strategy focused on limiting scoring opportunities for the opposition, and finding the right moments for their own attack to strike. On Sunday, it was a magnificent set-piece routine that saw Matt Ritchie send the North East into the clouds with celebration.

The ability to find that winning goal has not been very strong throughout 2017-18, but Benitez’s preferred style was successful in a particular way – allowing an element of control to enter the equation.

It may sound a bit crazy, but the idea is based around understanding what can be controlled and what cannot. In post-match comments, Benitez did not shy away from mentioning luck being involved in their result.

When asked about if they would only “park the bus” versus Manchester United, the 57-year-old stated that “it depends on the other team”.

Put yourself in smart positions

In football just as in life, we can’t control everything that happens around us. But setting a team up for success means putting them in the right positions.

Against Manchester United, Benitez knew that the Magpies would have to fight in the midfield and prepare for a tough defensive effort. Limit the damage and wait for your moments. The squad understood that it had the possibility of not working (0-0 could have easily been the final), but losing would have been the worst option.

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Rafa Benitez is navigating Newcastle United away from danger and higher up the league table with a conservative and calculated plan. It may seem simple and at times negative, but it allows the coach to have a better control on the limit-less amount of variables that affect a game.