Newcastle manager, Rafa Benitez, has disclosed what his Manchester United counterpart, Jose Mourinho told him after the 1-0 victory over the Red Devils on Sunday.
Benitez and Mourinho were seen talking immediate after the referee’s final whistle at St James’ Park.
Benitez said the Portuguese had nothing but accolades for Newcastle United‘s performance.
Matt Ritchie’s strike in the second half secured a vital victory for Newcastle, who are now two points clear of the relegation zone.
Mourinho’s side is now 16 points behind league leaders, Manchester City after the loss.
Mourinho had, after the match, publicly told reporters that Newcastle “fought like animals.”
And Benitez has revealed that Mourinho also had some kind words for him on the touchline in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
Asked what Mourinho said to him after the full-time whistle, Benitez said, ”’Congratulations’ and ‘you did well’, so more or less what he said before, that the team was working so hard and not necessarily that we deserved it because they had chances and he would be thinking they could have scored.
“But he had analysed the games before and thought we had been a little bit unlucky and that we were doing well.
“Against a top side, you have to do it this way and it’s good to see him praising our players, but that is the only way for us.
“I’m really proud of them because that is the way to be sure that you can stay in the Premier League.”
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