Rafa Benitez plays down Guardiola revolution hype and says it is all down to social media

The Newcastle boss claims it is an illusion created by social media where "everything seems bigger and better".

Benitez, the 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool, is well-know for his tactical acumen – and as much for speaking his mind when he sees things differently.

The Spaniard has now joined the big debate whether ex-Barcelona boss Guardiola, hailed for his passing game, is one of the modern football's brightest minds.

His biggest Premier League rival Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp was positive when asked a similar question last month, claiming Pep is "best in the world.

But Benitez suggests the Guardiola hype and his reputation for being forward-thinking could be a result of the buzz created on social media.

When asked if the City coach has brought a different understanding of attacking in football, he told the Times: “I have seen teams play so offensive and so well down the years that it’s not fair to say that.

"The difference now is internet, social media, the TV. Everything seems bigger and better now.”

Benitez thinks Guardiola, who won titles in three European leagues, is doing well "with a very good team" but it does not mean his football should be the one getting all the praise.

He added: “As a manager you have to get the best from the players you have and sometimes the style is not crucial.

“Guardiola is doing really well with a very good team and if they continue winning, people will continue talking about them.

"But there are other teams with different styles of football winning in other countries, so there are different ways to win in my opinion.”

The Citizens were stopped in their challenge to go through the season unbeaten, emulating Arsene Wenger's Invincibles, and lost 2-0 to Chelsea yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Toon Army bounced back from a dreadful start of the season winning five of their last Premier League matches.

Benitez believes that Newcastle, facing a possibility of an ownership change, have the potential to regularly occupy places in the top half of the Premier League table.

He said: “It’s not my job to talk about this too much because I don’t have the information but it’s very clear [Newcastle] has the potential to be one of the top sides.

"For me, it has to be in the top six or top eight easily.”

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