“He is seriously considering staying, so we will see what happens”.
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Hiring Rafa Benitez as manager in March was ambitious but ultimately doomed, and Newcastle was relegated with a game to spare.
Benitez had a break clause inserted into his three-year contract should Newcastle drop out of the Premier League, and the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss has been linked with several top-flight jobs.
Benitez was asked if the reception he had received would make a difference in his final decision.
Sunderland’s victory ensured they can not be overhauled in 17th position heading into the final game of the season, with Newcastle and Norwich City now preparing for life in the Championship.
“I want the same as the fans – a successful team, a strong team and to get promoted to the Premier League as soon as possible”, he said. So I will talk, I will analyse and I will try to do the best for me and what is the best for Newcastle United.
“It depends on the talks but I think a couple of weeks, maximum”.
Us as fans of Newcastle United have an obligation to stick together in times like these. Therefore, although it would be great to see us overhaul our great north London rivals, Arsenal should use this final game as an opportunity to give a chance to some fringe players.
“I feel very bad, because the worst thing is we showed we don’t care about the position. I think they will go down but they’ll bounce back”.
“We need a structure to allow the club to compete”.
That was my impression when I came, and I’m really flattered by the fans because they have been wonderful and I know that could be even more positive in the future. “I was very disappointed and upset because the first 45 minutes of the match was a shame”.
Benitez will also demand permission to oversee a radical restructuring of Newcastle’s training-ground facilities and academy set-up if he agrees to see out his long-term deal.
Norwich City earned promotion to the Premier League this season after finishing third in the Championship and winning the promotion playoffs with wins over Ipswich Town and Middlesborough.
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“I said before that I was expecting a great atmosphere, but it has been incredible”.
