Rafa Benitez insists he will remain “neutral” in the Premier League title race after Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 win over his Newcastle United side.
The Spaniard came close to wrecking his old club’s hopes of glory but Divock Origi’s late header put Jurgen Klopp’s men back on top.
Liverpool sit two points clear of Manchester City, who face Leicester City on Monday night.
“I have to be professional,” Benitez said.
“In this game everyone was trying their best.
“After that? I have friends at Liverpool and Manchester City. I have to be neutral at the moment. Let's just wait and see what happens.”
CLICK HERE for your Liverpool verdict from James Pearce
Newcastle twice levelled but Benitez was left to rue the slack defending which was punished by Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and then Origi.
“I am really proud because it was a difficult game against a very good team,” he added.
“We knew it could be like that. The players gave everything and were pushing all the way. The fans appreciated that and were behind them all the time.
“We made mistakes from set-pieces but in terms of effort and desire I couldn’t ask for any more.
CLICK HERE for the latest on Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino from Jurgen Klopp
“The third was difficult to defend but the other two goals we should do much better.
“It was clear they would have possession and control. If they can push Barcelona in the Nou Camp obviously it would be the same here but we did quite well.”
