It looks like with Rafa Benitez contract situation still not resolved – it will go the usual way when Newcastle negotiate for players and could go on for a long time.
It can only go on until June 30th, when Rafa’s current three-year deal runs out.
The manager’s comments of yesterday suggest that he’s letting people know he could be available this summer.
He’s also detailed what he wants to do – to have a competitive team that can challenge for another Champions League title which he won in his first season at Liverpool back in 2005.
Rafa’s had no answers back from Mike Ashley or Lee Charnley and seems to have been left to twist in the wind on his future.
Rafa has said the fact he doesn’t know he will be at Newcastle past June means there are already some difficulties cropping up for him.
Rafa Benitez with Matt Ritchie during training
One is to do with Matt Ritchie, and there have again been stories that he may leave Newcastle in the summer even though he has two years left on his contract.
This is what Rafa Benitez told the Chronicle about Matt Ritchie:
“It is simple things, like if I don’t have the two years he has – how can I say I will give him an extension?”
“It makes no sense.” “I want to clarify that if my contract finishes on June 30 how can I say to anybody yes I can give you an extension?”
“It’s just not right.”
“He’s an important player for us, and he has been great all the time he has been here.”
“That’s it, he needs to stay focused and committed like he has been for the next game.”
He has played on the right and left as a winger and now as a wing-back.” “He always gives everything.”
“We haven’t had any discussion.”
“At the moment my job is to make sure the players are focused – that’s it. “I can understand fans and the media asking about my future.
“The only thing I can do is get the team ready.”
“Sometimes that is not easy because too many people are talking but I try to send the same message to every single player.
“Just concentrate on the game and get three points and we have plenty of time to talk about the future.”
Push is coming to shove for the owner to at least get back to Rafa with the answers to his requirements.
But we’ve got to think the delay is caused by Ashley being unwilling to give Rafa all that he wants.
If Rafa leaves Newcastle, it will be absolutely disastrous for the club.
Comments welcome.
2 comments so far
Bobbybee
Apr 20, 2019 at 2:07 PM
Comment #1Another great reason I don’t listen to MSM BS. They had Rafa and Ritchie talking about his future, complete with comments exchanged during the meeting, when in reality, they haven’t had that discussion. All lies. No journalism, pure unadulterated lies. They make me vomit.
Oldgit1
Apr 20, 2019 at 2:17 PM
Comment #2Totally agree Bobbybee, the lies by the media is disgusting, we will get to a day when whatever you read you take as fake news. Then reading news will be a thing of the past.
Appears no one can be trusted to tell the truth regarding Newcastle except Rafa. He is an honourable man against proven out and out liars. Can’t see this ending well.