Rafa Benitez was asked about the report in L’Equipe yesterday which said he had signed on with an agency that will look for a manager’s job for him in France.
But Rafa poured cold water on that one by saying the only club he is talking to at the moment is Newcastle and he’s waiting for an answer from them.
So that sounds to us like he’s awaiting an answer from Mike Ashley to the demands he has laid out.
Rafa Benitez – waiting for answers from Mike Ashley
Here’s what Rafa has said in his press conference today:
“I read the story (on links to France). On March 6 I was here training, having lunch, then I left at 7:00pm or 8:00pm.”
“The only club I am talking to about my future is Newcastle and I am waiting for an answer. When? I don’t know”
“(Agents’ fees) – it’s quite complicated. Before FIFA were trying to reduce the percentage of the deals.”
“Some agents ask for up to 20%. How to stop it? I’m not sure, but I think there should be some rules.”
“Otherwise commission is like a transfer fee”
One thing that may be worrying about Rafa’s comments there us that he is still waiting for an answer form Mike Ashley on some of his demands.
That could mean that Mike Ashley may not come back with the right answers.
But we’ll know soon enough, and the only thing that matters now is that we win the game tomorrow afternoon at St. James’ Park against Crystal Palace.
Then we’ll all be upbeat!
Comments welcome.
21 comments so far
RobLeenio
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:21 PM
Comment #1Previously it was “We’ll sort that out when we’re safe, then it was “I’ve spoken to Penfold a few times” now it’s “I’m waiting on an answer”
Progress? I hope so.
If he’s waiting on an answer, that means he’s asked some questions / made some demands. That means the club know what he wants to sign on again. That means it’s crunch time for Ashley.
This is it, Mike, Rafa’s called, it’s time to fold or go all in, with the future of your club, your investment, £300M worth of property on the table. What are you going to do, fatty?
Lovem or Hatem
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:27 PM
Comment #2Hopefully Mike will sell NUFC and then Rafa can get someone who will provide steady investment in players and facilities.
RobLeenio
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:28 PM
Comment #3bobby, I think c-dog was referring to this coming June, as in “I’ll recall that comment of yours when June comes along” – he’s doubting that Rafa will sign and mocking your hopefulness
Still sad, personally I’d far rather be an optimist and live in hope than a pessimist living in despair, but hey ho.
RobLeenio
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:31 PM
Comment #4Sorry, correction from #1
It’s not his club and it’s never been his club. He may own the rights, the deeds, the contracts, the building and all of the rest of the assets, but he’ll never own the history, the culture, the values and the spirit.
These things have always been and will always be the sole property of the fans. Everything else is incidental.
Ashley Out!
martoon
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:43 PM
Comment #5I find his comments hopeful. Obviously Ashley is not going to cave and agree to everything – there has to be some compromise!
Jib
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:46 PM
Comment #6That Score agency from Lyon that Rafa talked to are
Lacazette’s representatives – fingers crossed for a
new striker in Summer
bettyswallocks
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:56 PM
Comment #7The last public statement Ashley made was to tell us that the sale of the club was imminent. We have heard nothing since from either Ashley or the club and I think we are entitled to an update!!!
Lovem or Hatem
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:56 PM
Comment #8@ Jib
Your suggestion of Andrea Petagna could be good choice for a striker (plus signing Rondon and sell Joselu)
Lovem or Hatem
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:57 PM
Comment #9@ Betty
I am taking no news as good news and once NUFC can’t be relegated something will happen (hopefully NUFC being sold)
Essex Geordie Bill
Apr 5, 2019 at 2:59 PM
Comment #1024 Hours to KO
Nostradamus the Geordie
Apr 5, 2019 at 3:01 PM
Comment #11So I wonder who will be the puppet next season for potential buyer,
We done English / UAE and English / American, so next year and with the trip to China I feel it’s going to be English / China.
The next Mike Williamson
Apr 5, 2019 at 3:26 PM
Comment #12Agents ask for 20% of the players wages or the transfer fee? Either way it’s insane. If an agent has 10 players he’ll be earning twice what they do on average for doing next to nothing. If I was a player I’d give them a smallish flat fee for sorting the contract out. I can’t imagine it’s difficult to find someone competent willing to negotiate a contract for a payment of £20,000. Why give them a couple of million when they’d do it for a fraction?
c-dog
Apr 5, 2019 at 3:28 PM
Comment #13bobbybee “I’ll recall yours, saying we’ll lose every game. So smart ass, answer my question. Why don’t you know Rafa won’t sit down until we’re safe? Or do you love bringing negativity to the blog? It’s not sorted because he hasn’t sat down and talked yet. Common knowledge amongst Newcastle fans.”
me saying we’ll lose every game is just being blatantly dishonest
you can’t deny it looks like rafa won’t sign a new a contract
i hope he does sign
ronaldo aarons
Apr 5, 2019 at 3:29 PM
Comment #14Check out these stats
https://mobile.twitter.com/shawwal_96/status/1114047890031300610/photo/1
Chances created from open play this season per 90 min
Almiron 2.24
Shelvey 1.76
Perez 1.52
Hayden 1.19
Atsu 1.11
Rondon 1.00
Yedlin 0.98
From sky sports but I don’t know where exactly but link is to an image.
toon22
Apr 5, 2019 at 3:36 PM
Comment #15MA hasn’t once tried to sell us,it’s hus usual lie to claim so
He won’t leave till he is forced to
NY Mag
Apr 5, 2019 at 3:41 PM
Comment #16We are now officially the only EPL club to not file last years accounts (Burnley, the only other club just filed theirs today)……..howay mashers – get yer little black book in order 😀
martoon
Apr 5, 2019 at 4:13 PM
Comment #17Listening to BBC Newcastle Rafa has told them that he is not talking to anyone else only NUFC and he is waiting to hear from them – presumably about some of his demands. The day he was supposed to be in Manchester he was actually at the training ground until about 8pm – it just shows what made up bollox some journalists write!
martoon
Apr 5, 2019 at 4:16 PM
Comment #18It is interesting the way Rafa has changed tack from ‘we’ll wait until we’re safe’ to ‘I’m waiting to hear from them’ – a subtle way to apply pressure maybe?
hibbit
Apr 5, 2019 at 4:19 PM
Comment #19martoon
do you think Rafa thinks we’re safe now ???????????????
martoon
Apr 5, 2019 at 4:40 PM
Comment #20hibbit – No I don’t think so. I think he’s playing a clever game and sending out veiled messages to MA.
toonluvva
Apr 5, 2019 at 5:52 PM
Comment #21Here is what will happen when Rafa speaks to Ashley about transfers.
Rafa “I would like to buy these players.”
Ashley after looking at the list for a millisecond. “No.”
Rafa “Why not?”
Ashley “I dont want to spend that much.”
Rafa “But why not”
Ashley ” I’m saving up to buy up the rest of the High Street.”