Form ‘not important’ for Europa, says Jesus

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus feels there should be little emphasis placed on the respective domestic form of his side and Newcastle’s in the build-up to tonight’s Europa League quarter-final first-leg meeting in Lisbon.

Jesus’ team are the runaway Portuguese Liga leaders and are yet to lose a league game this season.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are 15th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone, and head into tonight’s contest having lost four of their last six top-flight fixtures.

But that contrast is something Jesus regards as “not important”.

“The Europa League is different. It has nothing to do with domestic leagues,” he said.

“Newcastle is a strong team in the Europa League. They have played 12 matches and only lost once.

“Newcastle have reached the quarter-finals and that means they are a strong team — all teams that reach this stage are more or less at the same level.”

In his quest to get the better of the Iberian giants, Jesus’ opposite number Alan Pardew has admitted he’s taken advice from his Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon about Benfica.

Lennon’s men played the Portuguese side in the group stages of the Champions League earlier this season, drawing 0-0 at Parkhead and losing 2-1 away.

Pardew has been keen to gather as much information on his opponents and the Scot was the first port of call.

“We have good contacts regarding this team,” said Pardew.

“I think it is important to get as much information as you can — as I’m sure Benfica have done with us.”