Rafa’s most head-scratching quotes

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has turned to a Spanish proverb for inspiration after his side’s surprise 2-0 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, although it is not the first time the Spaniard has left people scratching their heads following a bizarre pronouncement.

Newcastle slipped to third in the Sky Bet Championship standings following their weekend reverse at St James’ Park, with Benitez calling on the club to be united now in their attempts to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

However, the Magpies boss caused more than a little confusion with his analogy, saying: “We need to realise we’re now the head of the mouse, and not the tail of the lion. It’s a Spanish expression.

“So, when you are in the Premier League, you are the tail of the lion and some people are happy being the tail of the lion, some prefer to be the head of the mouse.

“When you are at the top and strong enough, we want to make sure we are strong enough to be sure that we can manage the games.”

It is not the first time, though, that Benitez has bewildered people with an odd phrase or parable, as these other examples from his managerial career show…

“I was hoping for a sofa and they’ve brought me a lamp” (Benitez’s response in 2004 when he asked the Valencia board to buy Samuel Eto’o, but was given the winger Fabian Canobbio instead)

“When I was at Valencia my wife said that we would win the league. She was right and to mark the occasion she asked me for a new watch. I bought her the watch, but …

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