Rafa hits back at Sam jibe
21 Sep 2007 - 08:46:11
Rafael Benitez has accused Newcastle United counterpart Sam Allardyce of having a short memory following his recent outspoken attack on the Liverpool manager.
Allardyce claimed the Spaniard was lucky to still be in charge at Anfield after failing to guide the Reds to the Premier League title during his three years in charge.
The former Bolton boss added that it was only Benitez's record in reaching two Champions League finals that had prevented him from getting the sack.
However, Benitez has hit back at Allardyce and told the newly-installed Magpies chief to concentrate on matters at St James' Park.
"I want to say two things. Firstly, I think he should be more worried about his own business because he must have more problems than to waste time talking about other managers," he told the club's official website.
"Secondly, has he forgotten Liverpool winning the Super Cup, FA Cup and Champions League as well as reaching another Champions League final, a Carling Cup final and twice finishing third in the Premier League?
"Maybe he doesn't have a great memory."
Speaking to Zoo magazine earlier in the week, Allardyce had claimed: "Rafa would be very lucky to be in a job if he hadn't got to two Champions League finals, because they have had some very, very poor finishes poor finishes in the Premier League.
"Being a foreigner, Rafa doesn't understand it's supposed to be Premier League first and Champions League second."