Following yesterday’s 3-1 defeat at the Etihad, Rafa Benitez admitted that he’s been given the ‘green light’ by Mike Ashley to sign players, admitting he has had a ‘message’ yesterday regarding a possible new incoming and is now confident we will bring players in before January 31st.
Benitez had cut a frustrated figure in previous press conferences this month, with the him having been in the dark over his budget this month, however he now seems more optimistic about our January transfer business following a ‘conversation’ with Mike Ashley recently.
Here’s what he had to say in an interview with Sky Sports after yesterday’s game:
“This morning I had a message (regarding a potential signing), but I have not been able to check (during the game) for an update.
“In my last conversation with Mike Ashley he said we have the green light to sign players and I would like to see some of them come in before 31 January and I have confidence we will do it,
“It is obvious the team is working very hard and we need more experience and quality to help the team. We have a list of players and then we have to try our best to make sure that we bring in what we need.”
Positive to hear following talks with Ashley and also intriguing that he’s had a ‘message’ on a potential new signing come his way yesterday.
It does make me really question why these assurances have arrived so late from Ashley, however. What’s he been playing at for the last 3 weeks? There’s time, but we now have just over 10 days to get some crucial transfer business done.
Ashley is a proven full blown liar, so I’ll believe this when I see new signings holding up the black and white jersey on a Hilton hotel balcony, but this must be seen as promising news from Benitez.
Here’s hoping he gets what he needs!
