Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has revealed in an interview with Mundo Deportivo what it has felt like to keep the Magpies in the Premier League for the past two seasons, and how much of a challenge securing our survival in the top-flight has been.
The Spaniard was discussing his recent tenure on Tyneside with the Barcelona-based daily sports newspaper ahead of this weekend’s Champions League Final, where his former side Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur looking to win their first European trophy since he guided them to a penalty shoot-out triumph over AC Milan in 2005.
The interview also comes at a point where the 59-year-old is no closer to signing a new contract at St James’ Park, where his current deal is set to expire on June 30.
Benitez had sat down with Managing Director Lee Charnley and owner Mike Ashley following the climax of the Premier League season, and discussions have since continued, but we near his potential final month in charge with just as much uncertainty.
Going by his comments to Mundo Deportivo, though, he certainly takes great pride in securing our top-flight status, and hopefully can be given the assurances by Ashley that will see a new contract signed off.
“It has been a great achievement by all involved [to keep Newcastle in the Premier League for each of the past two years],” Benitez said. “As everyone can see, the Premier League is a difficult league with a high competitive level. That is why we all have to feel satisfied with what we have achieved over the last two years.”