Rafa Benitez is the 13th highest paid coach in Europe, reports The Chronicle.
A salary of £4.2m per year underlines that the Newcastle board has invested money in the Spaniard. The Chronicle notes that McClaren was paid a £1m salary by comparison.
They have backed their judgement with unwavering support for Benitez in the transfer market. They have done their part, it’s now Benitez’s turn to show their faith was warranted. Promotion is the minimum requirement.
The squad looks more cohesive and better motivated than last season but pre-season is completely different to the real thing.
When he arrived in March, the rot had already set in and whilst not inevitable, relegation seemed more likely than survival. So it proved but there were indications that Rafa had the players working as a team once again.
Continuing his reign as manager could prove to be the best signing the club makes this summer.