Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez believes his players have proved they have the character and belief to win their Premier League relegation battle.
Goals from Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback saw the Magpies come from 2-0 down at half-time at Anfield after goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana to secure an important point in their quest to avoid the drop.
“We needed to show character and belief - we did it late but we did it and that is the positive thing,” said Benitez after his return to his former club.
“They (the players) have to realise where we are, what we have to do and how we have to play if we want to stay up.”
Iheanacho dreams of facing Real
Kelechi Iheanacho is hoping his performance against Stoke will earn him the chance to fulfil a dream and face Real Madrid.
On Saturday, the Nigerian youngster scored twice in a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid visit the Etihad for the first leg of City’s first Champions League semi-final, offering Iheanacho the chance to challenge himself against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
“I think I should dream about that because it’s a great team to dream about. It would be a dream to play against them,” he said.
“Ronaldo and Messi are the greatest players on the planet so I think playing against them is a big thing to anyone.”
Rooney: Cup can start something special
Wayne Rooney believes winning the FA Cup could be “the start of something special” for Manchester United.
Anthony Martial scored an injury-time winner as United beat Everton 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday to reach the final.
“I’ve played in two FA Cup finals and both have ended up in defeat,” Rooney said.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us. There are a lot of young and new players in the dressing room for us so it could be a big day for us in the final and the start of something special for us.”
I didn’t throw ball on pitch – Simeone
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is adamant he did not throw the ball that saw him sent to the stands during his side’s 1-0 victory over Malaga, but insists the referee was right to dismiss him from the touchline.
Simeone was sent to the stands after a discussion with referee Antonio Mateu.
“Clearly the referee made the right decision, it’s what the regulations say,” Simeone said.
“He did what he had to do, expel the coach. (There is) not much more to comment.
“It was the guy who was on our side to throw the ball, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
Zidane salutes phenomenal Bale
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hailed “spectacular” match-winner Gareth Bale after the Wales international inspired his team to come from be-hind to win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano.
Bale pulled Madrid back into the game by heading home from a corner after Adrian Embarba and Miku had given Rayo a shock two-goal lead. And the former Tottenham man grabbed the winner following Lucas Vazquez’s equaliser.
“I’m very happy with him and he’s very happy for being able to make the difference,” Zidane said.
“More than his two goals he did both offensive and defensive work very well. He improved physically as the game went on, which is important for him and the team. He had a little discomfort, but today he was phenomenal.”
Pep wants to clinch title on home turf
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola felt there was a silver lining in Borussia Dortmund’s3-0 win over Stuttgart on Saturday, since it meant his side can win the Bundesliga in front of their own fans next weekend.
Bayern can wrap up the title by beating Borussia M’gladbach at the Allianz Arena next weekend, and Guardiola says that is not such a bad thing.
“It’s up to us now and we can win the league with one win more with two draws, although I hope we do it against Gladbach next weekend,” he said.
“Maybe it’s not all that bad to win the title when we’re at home.”
Mackay interested in Celtic job
Malky Mackay has become the second high-profile former Celtic player to state that he wants to succeed Ronny Deila at the Scottish champions.
Neil Lennon said last week he would be keen to return when Deila leaves in the summer. Now Mackay has declared his interest.
“If Celtic wanted to talk to me, I’d certainly be keen to do that,” the 44-year-old said.
“I think the next five-year period at Celtic is crucial. I think a record 10 titles in a row is achievable and a strong focus should be there.
“But, for that to happen, I think there is a detailed and strategic plan needed going forward. I think I could help with that.”