Rafa Benitez was upbeat in his press conference this afternoon for the games against Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow night.
He has talked about what an excellent season it has been and that “we are so happy.”
Rafa has also said that both loan players Martin Dubravka and Robert Kenedy have done really well this year.
It looks a near certainty that Rafa will be signing Dubravka through the option to buy we have in the loan agreement with Sparta Prague.
Martin Dubravka – will be offered Newcastle contract
Rafa has also said they will be talking to Chelsea about Robert Kenedy’s situation.
Hopefully, Rafa will have some leverage with the Chelsea hierarchy having managed as the “caretaker manager” there for seven months when he won the Europa League back in 2013.
Some caretaker!
Here are some of the comments made by the manager this afternoon:
“Kenedy has done really well for us. We will talk to Chelsea about his future.”
“It’s no secret we are happy with him (Martin Dubravka). We have the option so it is an easy one.”
“It’s (Manager of the Year nomination) important for anyone if someone from outside can see the good job you have done. We have great staff who have done a lot to help.”
“To be in a position we are in, we are so happy. We have nothing to lose now. Play with freedom and intensity as we have been during the season.”
“We can win, lose or draw against anyone… but we have to show desire, passion, and commitment.”
Rafa really wants that passion, pride, and commitment back in the Newcastle team, and at the very least if we put up a good fight in both our final two games that would be a good way to end the season.
Then Mike Ashley must support Rafa in the summer transfer window to bring in better players over the summer.
It’s quite obvious Rafa wants to remain the Newcastle manager, and it’s time for the owner to step up to the plate and deliver the goods for the manager.
Howay The Lads!!
Comments welcome.
5 comments so far
DubaiMicky
May 8, 2018 at 2:19 PM
Comment #1Two thirds think we’ll lose tomorrow night, ko for me is 11pm, could be a late one and kick the cat when I get back home. Not that I have a cat mind you.
DubaiMicky
May 8, 2018 at 2:50 PM
Comment #2During an interview with Sky Sports previewing the game, midfielder Jonjo Shelvey stated that in his “opinion, the most-important signing Newcastle could make this summer would be securing Rafa’s future”.
From the chronic, Rafa responded with a smile: “Tell him he will play tomorrow.”
lesh
May 8, 2018 at 3:14 PM
Comment #3DubaiMicky
Ashley not interested in the club he owns? I don’t know how you can think that when he’s delegated his two trusty lieutenants, Barnes and Bishop, to make sure the club’s run properly, that Charnley does as he’s told and that Rafa doesn’t start getting ideas above his station.
Interesting and amusing exchange between Shelvey and Rafa. But when will Ashley realise he’s very close to going against the collective wisdom of football players and other professionals and experts associated with the game
Nostradamus the Geordie
May 8, 2018 at 3:45 PM
Comment #4Dubs is one of the easiest signings we can make this window, Kenedy a little tougher. Just hoping that Chelsea see’s that he is happy here and he really wants to stay and they don’t price the kid out of a move he wants. The worrying thing about us going after Kenedy is Chelsea see Jamaal as a player they wanted to pursue and use him at bait for us to get Kenedy. The question right there is would Rafa take that kind of deal, if Chelsea said we want Jamaal and we can give you Kenedy and Luiz, is that a good deal for one player. I know Rafa loves Jamaal as we do but two players for the price of one knowing Ashley is tight with his money, also on the other side is the clubs that have or even will get relegated, is there players there that could do the job at the back like Jamaal, would Dawson or someone like that be a good fit if say Chelsea said we will give you Kenedy plus cash for Jamaal. Don’t get me wrong I would love Jamaal to stay, but this is how the games going with more clubs looking at swap deals.
DubaiMicky
May 8, 2018 at 3:52 PM
Comment #5lesh, I meant he’s not interested in seeing us play, apologies.