Rafa Benitez reveals his plan for Moussa Sissoko at Newcastle

Sissoko, yet to score this season, was booed off the pitch in Steve McClaren’s last game in charge against Bournemouth.

But Sissoko was livelier in last night’s 1-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

The midfielder – who had a fierce late volley blocked – was more of an influence in the final third of the pitch.

And manager Benitez is looking to the France international to make a significant contribution in the final nine games of the season, with Sunderland next up for second-bottom Newcastle.

“I was really pleased with Sissoko, because I was telling him he had to go into the box and he had one or two chances,” said Benitez.

Benitez managed Real Madrid in El Clasico against Barcelona earlier this season.

And the 55-year-old is looking forward to again pitting his wits against old Premier League foe Sam Allardyce, now manager of Sunderland, at St James’s Park on Sunday.

Benitez feels his players must player without “anxiety” in the fiercely-contested fixture.

“Every game is important, but this one is the most important because it is the next one,” he said.

“It’s a derby, and because of the position in the table. I told the players they have to play without anxiety, because they will make more mistakes.

“They have to play with great commitment, working really hard, but they have to use the brain and try and play good football.

“In this way we can create more chances and maybe take more chances.”