Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez: 'I'd rather lose derby if it meant staying up'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he would sacrifice victory against Sunderland in favour of staying in the Premier League.

The Magpies are currently second from bottom in the table, two points from safety with nine games left to play.

On Sunday, Newcastle will go head to head with their bitter rivals Sunderland at St James' Park in the hope of ending the Black Cats' winning run in the derby, which currently stands at six games.

However, Benitez has claimed that the club's priority is to retain their top-flight status.

"This is the game for the fans, it's massive," Benitez told reporters. "I'm not too worried about that. I'm confident we can win, but the main thing is staying up. I don't care if we lose the derby and stay up.

"The main thing is to do the job and take the three points because that will give everyone a good feeling, but the priority is staying up. If you can me guarantee me that I lose the derby and stay up, I will take that.

"We will have more chances to win, even if we lose the derby, but it will make it a lot more difficult."

Benitez's first game in charge of Newcastle ended in a 1-0 defeat to league leaders Leicester City.