Puel’s Praise For Benitez Impact

- Rafael Benitez’s fine work at Newcastle United is hailed by Leicester City boss Claude Puel ahead of kick-off
- Saturday’s opponents have suffered just one defeat in their previous seven Premier League fixtures
- Puel expects the Magpies to approach the encounter with confidence

The former Liverpool, Chelsea, Internazionale and Real Madrid manager took charge of the Magpies in March 2016 and while they were relegated to the second tier two months later, they won the Sky Bet Championship title the following term to seal a return to the Premier League.

So far this campaign, Newcastle have amassed 35 points from 31 games and currently sit seven points above the drop zone having lost just once in their previous seven league outings.

“He made a great job all the season,” Puel said of Benitez. “It is always difficult to go down into the Championship and to go up just one season after is fantastic.

“It is hard to play in the Championship, it’s a tough championship and it’s difficult with 24 teams and they are all battles in any game.

“I think it was fantastic job and to save his place in the Premier League just one season after is fantastic. He made a fantastic job so congratulations to him, his staff and his players.”

The City manager says Saturday’s opponents will arrive at King Power Stadium full of confidence knowing they are in a healthy position heading into their final seven games.  

The Frenchman added: “I think they are a clear now, they are safe in the Premier League. That is fantastic for Newcastle and they can play with freedom against us. We saw this feeling against Brighton.

“It was the same thing with a team full of confidence. Newcastle will play well against us. It will be a tough game because they can play with freedom, they can play with a good mentality, without pressure.

“They will play good football and a good game. It will be a tough game and they are a dangerous team to play.”