Rafa Benitez is the type of man and the type of manager who looks forward to being challenged – and that’s one of the reasons he is still at Newcastle.
While most world-class managers would have left Newcastle following our relegation – not Rafa – who has this unshakable vision that he can take Newcastle United to the heights once again, as Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson have done before him over the last 25 years.
So even when he couldn’t save Newcastle from the drop he still agreed to stay on and hope in a year he will have a good enough squad to start challenging for a top six place in the Premier League.
Rafa Benitez – has vision for Newcastle United
That means we need to get promoted back to the Premier league at the very first attempt – and for once it seems that Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley are right behind the manager.
That’s a nice change.
37 year-old Jimmy Bullard, the former Wigan midfielder, knows what it’s like down below, having spent much of his career in the second tier of English football.
This what Jimmy told the Star about what Rafa faces in the coming season:
“I’ve got to say, I’ve been in the Championship probably more than the Premier League and it’s a tough, tough league.”
“What Benitez will find is it’s a grind, and it’s a lot of games as well, so he’s going to need a bigger squad than what he’s used to.”
“Newcastle are a huge club and they shouldn’t be going down into the Championship. Once you’re at that sort of level, there isn’t a good ‘Championship manager’.”
“It’s not hard to do a little bit homework – and know what sort of team you need to win the Championship.”
“I believe that he’ll draft people in to help with that. He’s a great manager and if I’m a Chairman of a football club, I want the best manager I can get.”
Rafa is used to playing many games a season, because his teams are usually in European competition so it’s not that he’s unfamiliar with playing two games a week and having a big squad too.
And you don’t get a reputation like Rafa has, without proving you are a very good manager.
Earlier this summer Rafa was already phoning Championship managers getting their take on what it takes to do well in the Championship.
It seems he is looking to add more experience to the fairly young Newcastle side, and the club have already released 27 year-old Gabby Obertan, 30 year-old Steven Taylor and 30 year-old Sylvain Marveaux.
It’s also almost a certainty the club will allow 34 year-old Fabricio Coloccini to leave this summer, and those four players were cumulatively on close to £8M/year.
This is a big challenge for Rafa Benitez next season and he aims to be successful.
Comments welcome.
12 comments so far
SuperShearer
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:40 PM
Comment #1Also worth noting that Rafa is more than happy to rotate his squad if need be. He’s not like Jose and his ‘Purples’.
Mister Tuff
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:41 PM
Comment #2Players contracts can have just about anything contained in them that the parties involved agree with.
For example Townsend might have the immediate relegation get out removed and have one inserted that will activate if we fail to get back next season. Just an example.
Bobbybee
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:41 PM
Comment #3Finally, someone talking sense about ‘Championship managers’. There is no such thing as a ggod Championship manager, just maybe managers who have found their level in the Championship – a massive difference. All it means is that Rafa will stand out even further than those around him. It’s like Championship players – bull. Again, players who’ve reached their level. The best team, with the best manager will rise to the top.
hibbitt
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:44 PM
Comment #4in order to sell a player there has to be a buyer
we keep hearing what Moussa Sissoko wants but i don’t see a line of clubs wanting him
if he has a good euro there might be one or two after him if he doesn’t shine he could well be stuck with us in the championship
Bobbybee
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:46 PM
Comment #5That might well be right tuff, and we won’t know unless they make it public. One thing that will have changed, with the pay rise, is the buyout clause that has other teams sniffing around. The sooner it’s signed and sealed the better imo.
Mister Tuff
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:47 PM
Comment #6I’m in the camp to get rid of Sissoko as quick as possible – cannot see him excelling at Arsenal at all or anywhere else for that matter.
He has aspirations beyond his ability. I’ve posted about this loads of times – at Toulouse he was only a 50/50 player – one decent game and a crap one.
He is a superb athlete but not a natural footballer. If we can make some money on him – do it.
Bobbybee
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:49 PM
Comment #7Hibbett, bang on mate. I can’t remember too many clubs making him an offer either. All this talk about Arsenal baffles me. Who’s place would he take? I just don’t see him as good enough myself.
Our Toon
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:50 PM
Comment #8Hibbit
I don’t see Sissoko starting with the midfield France have, same with Cabaye I don’t see him starting.
Bobby – contracts mean nothing in football, if you believe townsend signing a new deal keeps clubs away then I hope for your sake he does sign a new deal. However it’s all just talk at the minute, let’s see how it progresses.
Mister Tuff
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:51 PM
Comment #9I would be pretty miffed if someone published/ leaked details of a contract I had. I’m sure most is just speculation in the press – unless of course players agents let it be known to potential suitors -in order to “escape” where they are.
WWSBRD
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:52 PM
Comment #10Ok so we are set to offer Townsend a better contract? Smart move, need Rafa to sell him the plan though
Essex Geordie Bill
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:55 PM
Comment #11Someone will bid for Sissoko even if it’s the French league or some other foreign one.
Our Toon
Jun 7, 2016 at 4:55 PM
Comment #12Mister Tuff
I’m actually in the camp to get rid of sissoko as well along with many others like Janmaat, Cisse, etc etc. I don’t have a go at those wanting to leave to better themselves.
Wasn’t long ago HBA saying he dreams of winning the ballon d’or or playing for a team like Barca, plenty on here slated him for it stating he’s too inconsistent etc, he’s gone away done very very well and talks of some big clubs chasing the lad including barca.
We shouldn’t slate players for being ambitious, even if they sound deluded