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Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez hits back at condemnation of his defensive tactics against Manchester City: ‘I did not hear any criticism from my players'

Rafa Benitez says he heard no complaints from within his Newcastle United dressing-room after his tactics very nearly earned a point against Manchester City - and he believes it is too easy for former players to pass judgement.

The Spaniard was criticised by the likes of Sky pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville for adopting a defensive approach in the first half of Wednesday night's game, during which Raheem Sterling scored what proved to be the only goal.

Newcastle pressed for a draw late on and City were under pressure during the closing stages, but that has not stopped the debate surrounding Benitez’s game-plan and the Magpies boss believes some pundits make controversial comments for the sake of it.