According to ESPN, Rafael Benitez has shown signs of job satisfaction despite interests from other clubs and might just be on his way to sign a contract extension. His current deal will allow him to hold the reigns until the summer of 2019.
“I don’t have any problem with my future. I’m really pleased here and I love the city, the fans, the potential, everything. When I decided to come I had the same feeling. Obviously, I have more information now, it’s just a question of doing what we have to do. It’s just to ensure the team is doing well. For me, it is not an issue. I have to make sure we are doing things in the right way, and if we have this common idea and we are on the same page then I am not worried about that.”
With a season of highs and lows, Newcastle have stayed clear of the relegation zone in recent times but not impressive enough to put the worry completely on the backboard. They are coming off a 3-1 loss to Manchester City at Etihad and Benitez’s men got completely outclassed offensively. Expected against the league leaders but the 1-1 draw to Swansea City in the previous weekend somehow exposed the lack of motivation amongst the Newcastle ranks.
The Spaniard has done an impressive job to provide the team with some structure but a lack of precision from the attacking third seems to be costing them crucial points.
Now that the final stages of the current campaign have already started, the last few days of the window should be treated aggressively to make a signing. Clubs have pulled off remarkable transfers on deadline days but only with the support of the club ownership. Magpies owner, Mike Ashley is yet to put his money where his mouth is. He has previously stated that proper funds would have been provided to the former Chelsea manager, but none has shown up till now.
The entire Amanda Staveley and PCP Group takeover saga ended last week when Ashley rejected their bid.
The Spaniard’s ambitions lie well beyond surviving a season in the Premier League judging by his impressive resume which boasts of management services for clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli, and European Champions, Real Madrid. He is a manager who has won almost every trophy other than the prestigious Premier League title. You can guess what his career ambitions are at this point and with sides like Manchester City and Manchester United breaking away from the pack – it will be hard to match strides with the elite.
However, if Benitez is happy with the Magpies this should come as a huge boost to the fans at St. James’ Park who would like nothing better than to see their club return to their status as one of the biggest English teams.
