Former Newcastle United star Michael Chopra believes the club’s prospective owners should look to bringing in former manager Rafael Benitez over the ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
With both managers being heavily linked with the Magpies’ hot seat over the past few weeks, this has thrown Steve Bruce’s future into doubt in Tyneside.
Bruce, who performed under Sir Alex Ferguson during his playing days, told Sky Sports that he is “in the dark” about his future but backs himself to be a part of the club’s new era, should the £300m takeover go through.
However, several hurdles will have to be jumped as The Guardian revealed that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will lay the blame at the door of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the illegal streaming of pirate television in the Middle East.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Chopra feels that Pochettino misses out because of one significant detail in his CV.
Will Rafa Benitez return to St James' Park?
Yes
No
“Pochettino built up Tottenham from pretty much nothing, got them to the Champions League final and on the verge of winning the Premier League”, he said.
“But the only thing going against him is he didn’t win anything – which puts me off a bit.
“With Benitez, he’s got unfinished business. He did well at the club and had a great relationship with the fans. He just wanted a bit more money to try and push them into the top 10.
“Benitez has already got plans for the football club and at almost every team he’s been at he’s won trophies.”
It would be extremely harsh on Bruce if he were to be sacked from his current role. Considering the tools he’s had to work with, he deserves our respect for getting us to the position that we’re currently in.
The Magpies lie 13th in the standings and are eight points above the relegation zone with nine games to play.
Although it would be nice to see Benitez return, or indeed Pochettino take the role, Bruce deserves the opportunity with potential transfer funds that he’s not had the chance to work with throughout his managerial career.
Let’s get to the end of the season first, and then make a decision.