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Rafa Benitez says he is losing no sleep about controversial comments from Dennis Wise and Andy Gray.

Both pundits have accused Benitez of moaning about a lack of spending money while ex-Sky Sports co-commentator Gray cranked things up to another level by claiming the Toon boss “played” fans of both the Magpies and Liverpool during his time in England.

Former director of football Wise left the club after a failed stint in 2008/09 which resulted in relegation from the Premier League after some poor choices in the transfer window.

(Image: Newcastle United)

When asked about Wise’s remarks, Benitez simply said: “If I had to pick somebody to listen to when we’re talking about Newcastle United - it would be Alan Shearer more than Dennis Wise.”

However, the series of interviews - beamed out by beIN Sports - have angered the club’s fanbase and resulted in some debate on social media.

Benitez, though, insisted that the interviews had cut no ice at the club’s training ground.

With a smile, Benitez said: “I don’t think players are even aware of them, especially the foreign players.

(Image: PA)

“Do you think that Muto is worried what Andy Gray is saying?

“It’s the same for us. I need to know what they are saying in advance of Press conferences to prepare because journalists will ask me the questions.

“It doesn’t change what type of day I have. I have to concentrate on football and my team.

“I try to improve the players we have and that’s it.

“Our fans here know what is going on anyway at this club and have done for years.

“People outside will have an opinion but we aren’t really worried about that.”