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Rafa Benitez STILL played his part in Newcastle United’s 1-0 win at Swansea City - despite being confined to his settee at his North-West home. 

His assistant Francisco de Miguel Moreno explained that Benitez sent messages to Antonio Gómez in the stands before they were relayed to the touchline with Mikel Antia booming out the ex-Liverpool manager’s instructions. 

After the game Moreno said: “He has been active in the game and kept in touch with us throughout the game. 

“After the game, Rafa rang us and congratulated all the team because they did a fantastic job.  He said ‘we are now under way’. 

“We need Rafa back as soon as possible. 

“This week he will join us, probably on Tuesday.” 

Benitez was not 100% fit and despite wanting to attend the game bad weather conditions over Wales and advice from his family and medics meant he passed on the offer of a helicopter trip from the Wirral to Swansea at lunchtime on Sunday. 

Moreno said: “He wanted to attend but the weather conditions were not the best.” 

And Moreno was delighted with the result and performance, he said:

“I feel very happy, very glad for the performance of the players. 

“We expected them to play with five at the back and we realised it was four but everything was as planned. 

“We tried to control their midfielders and attack down wide. 

“Jamaal Lascelles has the spirit of a captain, without doubt. 

“He manages everything so well and is involved in all situations.”