Big Sam slams 'lucky' Rafa

Allardyce aims swipe at Liverpool boss

Last updated: 18th September 2007

Allardyce benitez

Allardyce: Blast at Benitez

Rafa would be very lucky to be in a job if he hadn't got to two Champions League finals, because they have had some very, very poor finishes poor finishes in the Premier League.

Sam Allardyce on Rafa Benitez
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Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has launched a scathing attack on Rafa Benitez suggesting the Liverpool boss is lucky to be in his job.

Allardyce and Benitez have not always seen eye-to-eye with each other during the Spaniard's time in charge of Liverpool.

Magpies chief Allardyce believes Benitez is only in his job because he has reached two UEFA Champions League finals with Liverpool.

Allardyce does not believe Liverpool will win the Premier League this term as Benitez puts too much emphasis on the Champions League.

Sacked

Liverpool have finished fifth, third and third domestically under Benitez and Allardyce believes the former Valencia boss would have been sacked only for his success in European competition.

Allardyce, speaking to Zoo magazine, said: "Rafa would be very lucky to be in a job if he hadn't got to two Champions League finals, because they have had some very, very poor finishes poor finishes in the Premier League.

"While they are a very good Champions League team, they are not a Premier League-winning team yet.

"They don't have that mentality to win that yet.

"Being a foreigner, Rafa doesn't understand it's supposed to be Premier League first and Champions League second."