There are increasing reports of managers Newcastle may be interested in if Rafa Benitez does not sign a new deal to stay at Newcastle.
We are hoping that decision will be made very soon, and that Rafa will agree to stay at the club.
The negotiations have already gone on far too long, and the club are now in danger of actually losing a world-class manager who has expressed his wish to stay at the club.
How many clubs are capable of doing that?
We have today been linked with AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso, who has responded to the news that Newcastle are interested in him via a report in Gazzetta dello Sport.
The report is that he has met with agent Jorge Mendes and that Newcastle was discussed in the conversation.
Former Rangers, Milan, and Italian International defensive midfielder – Gennaro Gattuso
But when asked about the meeting with Mendes, Gattuso said this:
“We often see each other, I like good food and to talk about football. Newcastle? Unfounded rumors.”
“I repeat, with Mendes, it is just a great friendship.”
Newcastle have also been linked with Lyon manager Bruno Genesio, but there seems nothing in that story either.
The press are going to link Newcastle with several managers – whether we are interested in them or not.
And that will last for as long as Rafa does not sign for Newcastle.
We should probably start to worry if and when there are stories linking Rafa with another club, especially an ambitious Premier League club, who could offer everything he wants.
That could mean he’s given up on Newcastle.
And the manager is likely to finally do that if Mike Ashley refuses to change his ways.
If the owner wants to continue taking Newcastle down a track of tight financial management – which has brought us nothing but relegations and fighting against relegation in his 12 years as the Newcastle owner, Rafa will likely want to leave the club.
It’s time for Ashley to change or sell the club.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
RobLeenio
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:29 PM
Comment #1Always like Gattuso as a player, he was a proper enforcer for Italy in an era when they had a decent team. A hard man, tough in the tackle and economical in possession.
Would I want him over Rafa – nah, you’re ok thanks!
RobLeenio
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:32 PM
Comment #2Interesting words from Elias Sorensen after scoring for the U23s last night
“I was buzzing to see the ball hit the net. I’ve not scored for a few games and I’ve been a bit down with myself. To finally score after so long was a great feeling.
“It’s a big weight off my shoulders as I felt I only needed to score one goal to regain the form I had before I went out on loan.”
Just shows how important it is in a player’s development to get the right loan moves at the right time. Get them wrong, you can impair their development for good. Get them right, you end up with Sean Longstaff.
This is why I’m so pleased to see the club looking to appoint a loans officer. At least we’ve advertised for one, not sure if one has been appointed yet. Anyone know different?
Munster Mag
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:35 PM
Comment #3Poor move by whomever was responsible for the decision at the club
Budge123
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:35 PM
Comment #4Rob are you sure that’s not someone to look after all the money that nice Mr Ashley loans us?
the ledge
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:38 PM
Comment #5Jesus the Chronicle don’t half print s##t
Big name managers linked with Newcastle job then they name fred ruten ex anderlecht boss sacked after only winning 5 out of 13 games in the BELGIAN league AS A POSSIBLE replacement for rafa what a shower of useless journalists they have do they actually get paid or is it voluntary work they do ?
Jib
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:39 PM
Comment #6My name’s Michael Caine – Not many people know that
RobLeenio
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:40 PM
Comment #7Lol Budge – I thought you were being serious till I reread ‘nice’ Mr Ashley!
😛
RobLeenio
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:46 PM
Comment #8the ledge, they’re on day release mate. Just, you know, let them get on with it. Quietly. Don’t make a fuss. They think they have chauffeurs, these nice men in white coats who take them to the office and back every day.
At least, that’s the only reason I can think of for half of their comedic ravings.
the ledge
Apr 24, 2019 at 2:47 PM
Comment #9Robleenio…… i think your right mate it would explain a lot!
Toonboy12
Apr 24, 2019 at 8:55 PM
Comment #10Ashley has tied Lee Charnley’s hands, given him no slack and sent him to cut a deal with RAFA knowing it will fail.
Ashley will then send in the PR propaganda team into Sky and tell everyone how Rafa is unrealistic and unreasonable and that the club can’t cave in to blackmail so he had to go as no one man is bigger than this club (except fat boy) etc..etc..
Rafa will be tarnished as the bad guy and Ashley the hero will get his puppet to announce a new manager (desperate for a job) who will do as he is told and be grateful for a job. Ashley wants rid of Rafa as he does not play his game of deception and is rocking the boat. Rafa will soon be gone and come August 52,000 punters will still turn up for the new season come rain or shine and Ashley knows this and 6 months into next season when we are in a relegation fight 52,000 will still sustain this awful regime.