Rafa has been interviewed by a number of national newspapers in recent days.
During his time out with the squad in Spain, the manager was asked about his future at the club. The Spaniard was insistent there had to be big changes behind the scenes for him to consider remaining in charge for the long term:
‘We have to change things. I came here with the idea to compete and to create a strong team and a strong club, to compete every year. What we have to do if we stay up is improve.’
As expected the Twitter reaction to the comments among fans was one of support for the gaffer:
Amazing interview, says things I want to hear and things I`d probably rather not. Reaffirms in my mind that he is a quality manager and not a donkey yes man we`ve had in past years.
? James Foster (@J_Fos95) 20 March 2018
Hard to even care about staying up this year if Rafa will be gone next season and Steve Bruce or Sherwood is in charge
— Rob (@rob077b) 20 March 2018
Interesting as he has just brought in Spanish scouts in to the scouting system.
? Mark Ramsey (@Ramseymark007) 20 March 2018
That or get out of our club! Rafa needs investment not Ashley`s broken promises…
? TMW (@TilehurstsOwn) 20 March 2018
Seriously, how could Rafa trust anything Ashley promises, after what`s happened in January, May and January?
? James DeMarco (@jazadal) 18 March 2018
? Max Sheppard (@mxximilliann) 19 March 2018
Staying then is he?
? David Punton (@DavePunton) 20 March 2018
I think in some bizarre twist he could actually be a better manager as a result of navigating us and himself through this bog of frustration…not that he`d probably recommend it. Thanks George and others
? Stjbrown (@SeanStjbrown) 20 March 2018
Rafa @JamesMWild
? Duncan Merelie (@DRMerelie) 20 March 2018
Verdict:
With the resources available, our manager is doing all he can, but if Mike Ashley remains at the helm with no takeover in sight, he must be more open to what Rafa has to say.
Greater communication, greater control, a higher budget, and fast efficient transfer negotiations are what he is looking for. They are not exactly hard things to expect. With money rolling in from TV rights this season, there should be an increased transfer kitty in the summer if we remain in the Premier League. Combine that with better coordination with getting deals over the line, it really isn`t much to ask. Then again, even getting the simplest change under this ownership has been difficult.