We’ve been waiting for news on Rafael Benitez’s contractual situation for months, but it seems as though we’re no closer to the confirmation that we’re desperate for. A recent report from the Chronicle has indicated that a deal still hasn’t been reached, with the end of Rafa’s contract – the 30th of June – now appearing in the horizon, at which point he’ll be able to discuss terms with other clubs.
What is perhaps most intriguing about this report, however, is the suggestion that talks have been ongoing with Benitez for 18 months. That’s nearly two years. What on earth have the club been up to?!
To have been unable to thrash out an agreement with Benitez for that long simply shows the lack of competency at board level at Newcastle. Oftentimes, it can take a while to determine a manager’s long-term future for a few reasons. Maybe a replacement is being considered, maybe a boss is thinking about moving on, maybe some change is needed.
However, at Newcastle, the situation has been far more simple. Newcastle want Benitez and Benitez wants Newcastle, provided that the club give him a few assurances. If they had only started talks a few months ago, you could understand, but that’s not the case.
It shouldn’t have taken this long to get to the stage that we’re at now. Realistically, the club should have realised what they needed to do over a year ago, and then we wouldn’t be in this mess at this point.
Much has been made about failings at Newcastle in recent years, namely on the transfer front. However, this takes the cake. How have they got it so wrong, and how are we no closer to a conclusion?
We’re running out of patience.
Thoughts?