Rafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez
Rafael "Rafa" Benítez Maudesis a Spanish football coach currently managing Newcastle United. He is the only manager in history to have won the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup...
attacks counter lose minutes playing preferred steve tried
I preferred to lose Steve for 80 minutes than for one month. We tried playing second-half counter attacks but we couldn't score.
goals good start
We started really well with two goals and good counter-attacks. But, after we conceded, it was difficult. But the most important thing is to start with a win.
controlled game half organised pressure second
We started off by controlling the game and were well organised and in the second half they did put some pressure on us but then we controlled the game at the end of the game,
cup difficult shall tie
We know each other so well and when you play a cup tie you know it will always be a difficult tie. We shall see what happens.
hard injury picked played steven whether
It is hard to say whether Steven would have picked up his injury if he hadn't played so many games, you just don't know.
supporters
I was with our supporters at the end. I could see him but he didn't want to.
beat last season win
That win last season was important for us. They know we can beat them,
good half pace second space
We had more space in the second half and more pace -- and at the end 2-0 is a good result.
confidence good problem scoring team
It's really important for them and also for the team to see all the strikers scoring goals. Now the problem is for me. All of them are scoring goals, but it's a good problem and we will have more confidence for the forthcoming games.
employees fans past press support thank three
I want to thank all the players, the employees at Valencia, the press and especially the fans for their support over the past three years.
control sending
After the sending off we were in control of the game.
five last minutes
I'm really disappointed with the last five minutes of the first half.
intend players
I intend to use all the players in my squad.
league priority thinking
Their priority will be the league. They will be thinking about the league for sure.