Its not football: Liverpool legends SLAM Rafa Benitez over Newcastle tactics v Chelsea

Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness have hit out at Rafa Benitez for the manner in which he set his Newcastle side up against Chelsea in the first half at St James Park.

The home side were content sitting back and challenging Maurizio Sarris side to break them down, something the likes of Eden Hazard and co. were struggling to do.

Former Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez has been credited with the fine job hes done with Newcastle, with fans heavily critical of owner Mike Ashley during his spell in the north east.

But Souness and Redknapp were disappointed with the lack of ambition shown by a team at home.

Its been hard to watch, Redknapp told Sky Sports. Its not football.

Its working, yeah, but its not football.

Hes the only manager in the Premier League who can get away with this, hes made a living out of playing this way.

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Its hard to watch, its hard to sell to your own team.

When asked if he would have got away with those tactics during his spell as Newcastle manager, Souness replied: No, definitely not.

Its like Newcastle are playing a big European tie away from home. If that was the case wed be saying theyre doing a great job: disciplined, organised, everyone knows what theyre doing.

Newcastle are a big football club and I think people will be surprised at the way theyre playing today. You have a go at home.

I think theyre getting away with it because there is so much ill feeling directed towards the owner, I think the manager is playing on that fact somewhat. Hes playing a brand of football that doesnt excite but saying Ive got to do that.

Its a hard sell to players.

More: Chelsea FC

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