Newcastle news: Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup

Newcastle news: Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup
Rafael Benitez has hit back at criticism surrounding his decision to prioritise Newcastle’s survival bid over the FA Cup.A section of the club’s fans have condemned the Magpies boss for fielding a weakened line-up when his side were held 1-1 at home by Blackburn in the third round.3

Rafa Benitez faces an FA Cup replay against Blackburn on Tuesday

Newcastle, who will replay at Ewood Park on Tuesday, slipped into the Premier League’s bottom three at the weekend after losing 2-1 at Chelsea.“We can talk about ‘oh the cups’, but a lot of teams went out of the FA Cup. Why?” Benitez said.“Why are all the managers that were making decisions and their teams were having problems and they are out?3

Newcastle slipped into the bottom three following defeat to Chelsea on Saturday

“Why Cardiff, Fulham, nearly Southampton, why you see these teams and they were out? Because the Premier League is massive.“You have 130million guaranteed if you are there. So everyone is trying to manage the situation. Also, you have to be realistic.“Who has a chance, a realistic chance? Teams in the middle of the table because they can have a go because they are safe. The other teams, you have to manage it really carefully.” Benitez cited the injury sustained by Jonjo Shelvey against Blackburn.Shelvey missed out at Stamford Bridge due to a calf strain, while Benitez is also without fellow midfielders Mo Diame (hip) and Ki Sung-yueng, who is at the Asian Cup with South Korea.“I will give you an example because I read people saying ‘we have to do this, we have to do that, I don’t understand’.3

Jonjo Shelvey suffered an injury during the Blackburn game

“Listen, Jonjo Shelvey was playing the other day because we were trying to change and then win the game and avoid the replay – and he is injured now.“What does that mean for us, with Ki away, with Muto (Yoshinoro) away? It is a risk. It is not that you have one week and you can recover the players.“It is a risk and you have to accept that it is a risk. After, you approach the game in one way or another way.“But if you put this player in or the other one, maybe it doesn’t change anything, and then you take a massive risk.”

---

Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup Last updated: 14 January 2019 - 12.01pm Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier

---

Rafael Benitez has hit back at criticism surrounding his decision to prioritise Newcastle's survival bid over the FA Cup. A section of the club's fans have condemned the Magpies boss for fielding a weakened line-up when his side were held 1-1 at home by Blackburn in the third round.
Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League

---

Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory. The Magpies have been heavily criticised by the club's fans for fielding a weakened line-up when his side were held 1-1 at home by Blackburn in the third round.
Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League

---

Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League More Newcastle United News.
Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League

---

Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup. Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory.
Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League

---

Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League

---

Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup January 14, 2019 by Football Paradise Staff Reporter 1 Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory.
Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League
sportstons.com/soccer/rafael-benitez-defends-decision-to-prioritise-premier-league-over-fa-cup/
Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory. The Magpies have been heavily criticised by the club's fans for fielding a weakened line-up when his side were held 1-1 at home by Blackburn in the third round.
Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League

---

Newcastle news: Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup The Magpies boss has been heavily criticised for picking a weakened team for their 1-1 draw with Blackburn
Newcastle news: Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise

---

Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory. The Magpies have been heavily criticised by the club's fans for fielding
Newcastle news: Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise

---

Getty Images Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory. The Magpies have been heavily criticised by the club's fans for fielding a weakened line-up when his side were held 1-1 at home by Blackburn in the third round.
Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritis - 01-14-2019