Aitor Karanka has shown his support for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez's tactics employed in the Magpies' clash with Chelsea on Sunday, reports the Nottingham Post. 

The Champions League and Europa League winner came under fire for setting his side up to defend for the majority of the Premier League fixture with the Blues.

But Karanka, who has similar experience of managing an underresourced top-flight side, says he agrees with the tactics employed by his compatriot.

“I agree with him (Benitez) 100 per cent," Karanka told his press conference ahead of Nottingham Forest's clash with the Magpies.

"It is easy to say it, but it is harder to do it.

"When I was with Middlesbrough in the Premier League and you had to compete against teams like Chelsea, we were the ones with the lower budget.

“Everyone said that I was defensive. So I understand Rafa and his frustration."

But Karanka is far more preoccupied with his own side than Wednesday night's opponents.

Forest have had an underwhelming start to the season having won only once and drawn five times, often to weaker opposition.

Their only win was a narrow 1-0 triumph against struggling Reading with their most recent result requiring them to come back from 2-0 down at home to Birmingham City.

They also had to twice come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic the week before.

The verdict 

It is no surprise to see Karanka come out in support of Benitez and rightly so. There is nothing wrong with setting up to win a point against significantly stronger opposition.

Should Forest take the lead against the Magpies it may even be a tactic that Reds' manager will employ himself.