Rafa Benitez has insisted that he is ‘happy’ on Tyneside and ‘relaxed’ about his future at the club – despite his contract being set to run out next summer.
The Chronicle report today that NO discussions have taken place over the international break regarding a renewal, however Rafa’s comments today suggest he is quite comfortable with the situation – with him saying in the past that there is still plenty time to talk.
Lee Ryder’s piece states that Benitez has no concerns over the salary being offered by the club (with a new contract being offered to him this summer), but he does have issues with the ‘club’s operations behind the scenes‘ and wants to see improvements made to the training ground, the Academy and our scouting network.
You get the feeling he’s not demanding big transfer kitty’s here, he just needs to know that we are willing to move in the right direction as a club.
Here’s what he’s said today when asked about his future, giving us fans a glimmer of hope when it comes to a potential new contract:
“What I will say about the North East and Newcastle is you can live your life and you can enjoy your football.
“The people love the club & love the team, especially if you are giving everything.
“That is the perfect scenario for a manager.
” I am quite relaxed because I am happy here”
With a certain Mike Ashley being crucial to all of this, it’s impossible to predict how all of this pans out, however it’s safe to say that Rafa Benitez will give him every chance of keeping him at the club.
Rafa clearly wants to be here and he’s not asking the world, but it feels like Ashley won’t even give him an inch unless he signs a new contract – something he’ll feel unable to do unless a certain level of trust can be regained between the two.
Do you think Rafa will be here this time next year?
