Rafa Benitez has told hopeful Liverpool fans that he can do his old club no favours - but there is one bit of good news for them.
The Newcastle manager knows he could kill off the Reds' title challenge if they take anything from the game next week.
There is just no margin for error with two games to go as Liverpool try and peg back Manchester City .
Any slip will surely be fatal but their former Champions League winning boss says he must remain professional and focused despite his affinity for the Reds.
“We will do what we have done the whole season and that’s try to win the game," he said.
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“We play at home in front of our own fans and will try to do our best.
“It’s my responsibility to look after Newcastle and if I was on the other side, I would be expecting the opposition to do their best and the manager to try his best.”
Liverpool have been boosted by Ayoze Perez's injury after he hobbled off at Brighton .
The 25-year-old may miss the match on Saturday night after taking a kick to the hip.
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Toon fans are backing their boss to stay - even though this could be his last home game in charge.
The Spaniard is out of contract this summer and still no agreement has been reached regarding his future.
Fans chanted his name again at Brighton and the former Real Madrid boss has already told them he is keen to stay.
“I’m really pleased with the fans, at home and away," Benitez said.
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“Especially the fans who come such a long distance, to support the team and their manager. I’m really pleased with that.
“It’s the same as I said before, if we have any news we will let you know. Now, it’s just the game.
“Hopefully, we will have some meetings in the next week and then we will see where we are.
“It needs to be sooner rather than later, because that will be good for both parties.”
