Rafa Benitez’s future at St James’ Park will likely rumble on beyond the final game of the season, but the boss has stated what owner Mike Ashley must do to secure his signature again, as quoted by the Chronicle.
Our Spanish head coach’s current deal is set to expire on June 30, but he is by no means keen to move on from Tyneside when July rolls around. Instead, he wants to have a face-to-face meeting with Ashley, where he would intend to receive assurances of what will be on offer to him going forward.
If no such guarantees are presented, he could well decide to wash his hands of the Magpies. That’s because Benitez would prefer to have his, and the club’s, futures made clear sooner rather than later, so that both parties can prepare for the next chapters in their respective histories.
Talks with Managing Director Lee Charnley are expected to recommence in the coming days, however, but Benitez would prefer that Ashley is involved, as our owner’s assurances are seemingly the only thing holding back a deal.
“No. I can see Lee,” Benitez said when asked if there were any meetings scheduled to discuss his future.
“He will come back with us [on the plane from Brighton] and we can talk any time. If they want to organise something, fine. That’s no problem.”
The boss went on to applaud the efforts of the traveling fans who made the 345-mile trek to the south coast and made their voices heard throughout the Seagulls clash with chants asking for Benitez to stay.
“I’m really pleased with the fans, at home and away. Especially the away fans who come here, such a long distance, to support the team and to support their manager. I’m really pleased with that,” he added.
“It’s the same as I said before; if we have any news, we will let you know – now it’s just the game. Hopefully, we will have some meetings in the next week, and then we will see where we are.
“It needs to be [sorted] sooner rather than later because that will be good for both parties.”