Rafa Benitez's response when asked about his feuds with Sam Allardyce

Newcastle United's manager clashed with Allardyce earlier in his managerial career.

And Allardyce, Sunderland's manager, hit out at him in his recent autobiography.

But Benitez has brushed off their history ahead of Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby.

Asked about their relationship, Benitez said today: "I am a professional, he is a professional. The main thing is the players on the pitch.

"I was away two and a half years (at Real Madrid and Napoli), so I did not have the chance to meet him again. I am concentrating on our players."