Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez admits he can't take the Carabao Cup seriously.

Newcastle head to Championship side Nottingham Forest on Wednesday for a tie sandwiched between Premier League dates with Chelsea, where they lost 2-1 at home on Sunday, and champions Manchester City.

“You have to manage your squad," said Benitez.

“Depending on the transfer window, your squad is stronger or not. You have to manage the team.

“We can win with the players we put on the pitch, but we cannot lie to our fans and pretend this is the most important game of the season."