Rafael Benitez’s future at Newcastle United still hasn’t been resolved but the longer he’s still in charge at the club, the more it feels like an agreement will be found.
There’s been interest in the manager from elsewhere, and it’s been claimed on more than one occasion that agents have been at work to find the Spaniard a new destination should he decide to leave the Premier League club this summer.
Affection from the fans has been a big reason to stay, but Benitez would surely prefer to be challenging for trophies at this stage of his career, and has to make a balance between that understandable aim and continuing the good work at Newcastle.
Assurances over budget will be needed, and perhaps a concrete commitment to spending is what the manager really needs before he puts pen to paper.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Benitez hasn’t given any hints on his future, but did explain he’s very happy with the work he’s done at the club.
Mundo asked about keeping Newcastle in the top division for the past two season, and the manager answered: “It’s been a great achievement by all involved. As everyone can see, the Premier League is a difficult league with a high competitive level. That is why we have to feel satisfied with what we have achieved.”
They then asked how he manages to stay motivated, having won trophies previously, and now being in charge of a team swerving relegation: “Because I’m a coach that comes from below. I know what happens inside a changing room and I like to be in the pitch and transmit something to my players. Improve them regardless of the level they have. That they learn to understand the game so they can be better. It motivates me to achieve the goals I set for myself, whatever they may be.”
