If you look at Rafa Benitez’ career in football management, he has been very successful and when you further consider he has been given free rein at Newcastle and will be backed by Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley with some big money it seems he has a good chance to make Newcastle successful again as a club.
And while we haven’t got everybody we wanted this summer because we are now a second division club, Rafa has managed to get some very good players into Newcastle and we have to believe part of that is because he is a world-class manager.
But also because of his legendary persuasive powers.
Achraf Lazaar with Rafa Benitez
Andrea Cattoli is the agent of Achraf Lazaar and he has told the Italian media that top Italian club Fiorentina were ready to sign the 24 year-old left-back from Palermo.
In fact the report is that they had an agreement in place last week, but Lazaar turned them down to join Newcastle United.
Cattoli has told TV station SportItalia that after Lazaar talked with manager Rafa Benitez about his goals at Newcastle – he wanted to join the Magpies.
This is some of what Cattoli has said:
“Fiorentina had reached an agreement with Palermo for Lazaar. I flew to England because there was the interest of Newcastle.”
“Lazaar spoke with Benitez and the boy then chose to fly to England.”
Cattoli did fly to Newcastle late last week and he held talks with Managing Director Lee Charnley and they went very well and the deal was then agreed rather quickly.
But it certainly helps when the player is keen to sign for Newcastle, even though we are currently in the second division.
Lazaar is exactly the type of player we need at Newcastle right now – a player who is keen to join us even though we are a second division side in England.
But hopefully that’s only until next May – and of course Lazaar can help us get promoted straight back to the Premier League.
Did I mention he’s a very good player?
🙂
Howay The Lads!!
Comments welcome.
6 comments so far
giimps
Aug 30, 2016 at 8:54 AM
Comment #1I must admit I’ve seen nothing of this lad other than YouTube , but does seem a team player, I’m wondering if Rafa may try 3-5-1-1 with Ritchie and Lazaar on the flanks ,Dummet !lascelled and Mbemba as CB, I know it’s not something we have tried often, but with grafters down the flanks and a packed midfield we won’t lose many battles in midfield, just a thought……..but then again, why change something that works, Rafa seems to be coaching some decent performances out of the back 5 now and as long as we’re getting clean sheets and goals we will do alright.
Hwtl
Adywakey
Aug 30, 2016 at 8:57 AM
Comment #2Wiltshire on loan anyone…..if anyone can Rafa can….
Bowjaw
Aug 30, 2016 at 9:04 AM
Comment #3If the team keep playing/improving the way they did against brighton, I think Dummet will keep his place and this lad will play in front of him.
WWSBRD
Aug 30, 2016 at 9:09 AM
Comment #4Well when the Championship comes calling who can turn it down
Bowjaw
Aug 30, 2016 at 9:33 AM
Comment #5Totally agree giimps. Goufran has looked impressive and will be hard to drop but it is a long old season so for sure changes will be made. I know we haven’t made many or any super star signings but I imagine they will all do a job through out the season. very impressive transfer window considering our situation.
Sav
Aug 30, 2016 at 10:20 AM
Comment #6Riviere finally gone to Osasuna. A player who spent more time in the hairdressers than on the pitch. I’ve forgotten him already. Only a £6million hole remains.