According to a recent report by the Mirror, Newcastle United manager, Rafael Benitez is not planning to manage another club next season, but it would be up to the Magpies owner Mike Ashley to persuade the Spanish manager to stay at St. James’ Park. It is understood that the former Liverpool head coach has given some hope to the Toon Army that he might remain at Tyneside beyond the end of his current contract which is set to expire at the end of this season.
In a recent interview (reported via The Mirror), Benitez weighed in on his future at Newcastle and said, “My position is very clear. If you can see the club progressing it would be easier, because I am happy here.”
When quizzed about whether he was considering a move away from Tyneside, the Spanish tactician added, “No.
“At the moment I want to make sure that we concentrate on games, one game at a time, and see what we can do in January.”
“We have to get to January and be sure we do the right things. And after consider the future. I say always it is a massive club with massive potential. But then we have to do things to make sure we maximise this potential.”
It is clearly evident from the Magpies manager’s words that he is concentrating on recruiting well in January so that his team can finish as high as possible in the Premier League table. There is a growing feeling that if Mike Ashley backs him in the upcoming transfer window, then there is a good chance that Benitez would stay beyond the end of this campaign.
The Tyneside giants are currently occupying the 14th place in the Premier League standings after a horror start to their domestic campaign. However, the Magpies have recovered well in recent weeks and are unbeaten in their last three outings in the league. During that time, Benitez has managed to pick up 7 points out of a possible nine which has put them out of any relegation danger for the time being.
However, it is evident from their performances this season that Newcastle needs some injection of quality in January if they are to avoid being dragged in a relegation dogfight during the latter stages of this campaign. The future of Benitez will also rest on how much backing he receives from Mike Ashley during the winter transfer period.
The fact that the Spanish head coach is still willing to stay will be a massive boost for the Magpies in their quest to retain their top-flight lives for another season.
