What would the ‘mighty Rafa’ do in Steve Bruce’s situation? He would not, you assume, make insincere comments about the previous manager.
How ironic that Bruce spoke on Friday of maintaining his ‘dignity’ amid criticism. He then proceeded to answer a question about Mike Ashley by comparing his own record to that of Benitez.
And that would have been fine had he not let his guard slip with a needless and sarcastic barb in which he referred to the Spaniard as ‘the mighty Rafa’.
It is no secret that Bruce is a convert of those — including several senior players — who believe Benitez receives undue worship from supporters.