Rafael Benitez has sympathised with Steve McClaren, following him replacing the 54-year-old as Newcastle United’s new manager yesterday and urged the club's players to finish what the ex-England boss started.

The Magpies decided to part ways with McClaren after the Englishman failed to steer the club away from the relegation zone, despite spending considerably on new players during both the summer and winter transfer windows.




Newcastle, who appointed McClaren in June, are presently 19th in the standings with 24 points from 28 games, with just 10 Premier League fixtures remaining in the season.

And Benitez insisted that he knows how it feels when a club decide to part ways with their manager, with the Spaniard himself being sacked by Real Madrid earlier in the season.
 


However, the 55-year-old, who thinks McClaren gave his all for Newcastle, wants the club to avoid relegation and complete the job his predecessor started.

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“Steve is a friend”, he told NUTV.

“I know how it feels to be fired by your team when you’re working so hard.

“I think he was giving everything, he was trying his best.

"In football, sometimes these things can happen, but I wish him all the best for the future, and hopefully we can win, we can do well and do a part of his job.”

Newcastle, who lost 1-0 to Bournemouth last weekend, will next face Premier League leaders Leicester City in an away game on Monday night.