Big Sam blast for 'lucky' Rafa

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Allardyce insists Benitez places too much emphasis on European competition instead of launching a sustained bid for the Barclays Premier League title - but believes his success on the Continent could have saved his job.

Allardyce, speaking to Zoo magazine, said: "Rafa would be very lucky to be in a job if he hadn't got to two Champions League finals, because they have had some very, very poor finishes poor finishes in the Premier League."

Liverpool have finished fifth, third and third domestically under Benitez as well as winning the European Cup in 2005 and reaching the final last season.

And the Magpies boss added: "While they are a very good Champions League team, they are not a Premier League-winning team yet.

"They don't have that mentality to win that yet.

"Being a foreigner, Rafa doesn't understand it's supposed to be Premier League first and Champions League second."