Speaking to the press today for the first time since Tuesday’s crushing takeover announcement, Rafa Benitez has admitted that Mike Ashley told him ‘2-3 weeks ago’ that a deal with Amanda Staveley wasn’t happening – claiming they are now focusing on working together to sign players this month.
Not what we wanted to hear, but nothing we didn’t come to expect – Ashley did say that talks with Staveley and PCP were over on Tuesday, but her comments in the Times suggest she’s not giving up.
Here’s what Rafa’s had to say in the last few moments:
“Mike Ashley told me the takeover (with PCP) would not go through, that was 2-3 weeks ago.
“But he told me we would work together to try & get players in the transfer window. We have targets & we are trying to progress”
“We are in the situation. Nothing coming in or going out.”
Rafa then expanded on transfers, suggesting the club are now aware of the prices of certain targets so have no excuse not to get deals done:
“It’s not an issue because if we have three or four names – and the club has the names – it’s just to be sure we go through, we sign the players… and they know they can do it because they know the prices of the players, too.”
My question would be this – If Ashley knew two or three weeks ago that the takeover wasn’t happening, why are we now in the final third of the January transfer window having still not signed anyone? Why’s is taken this long? Why does Rafa still not know if anyone’s coming in.
Back to Rafa’s presser, here’s a few other bits he’s had to say today, starting with his response to questions about his future in light of this week’s takeover news:
Rafa asked about his future & whether takeover affects it: "My future is tomorrow against #MCFC, that is it. Football is football, but I am not thinking about that" #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) January 19, 2018
Benitez then delivered this message to the fans, believing we are clever enough to realise what needs to happen from here on out:
Rafa: "Our fans don't need a message from me because they have been fantastic all season. The main thing is to stick together so we have more chances to stay in the PL. They are clever enough to understand the main thing is to support the team" #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) January 19, 2018
Rafa also commented on the Aaron Lennon link, refusing to get drawn in by names due to the amount of players linked to NUFC a daily basis:
Rafa on Lennon: “There are a lot of names. In two hours there will be another. So we don’t mention names.” #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 19, 2018
Thoughts??