Rafa Benitez has aimed a clear dig at Mike Ashley after reflecting on his start to life in China, admitting he’s had more meetings in a week with Dalian Yifang chiefs than he had across 3 years at Newcastle United.
This comes from his latest blog post on his personal website, with the piece including several subtle (and not so subtle!) digs at Mike Ashley and co.
Here’s what he’s had to say after his first week in the job – one which included a 3-1 against Henan Jianye in his opening game over the weekend:
“I must say that I have had more meetings with the Chairman, the President and the General Manager this week, than I had in 3 years at Newcastle. They haven’t just been work meetings, rather signs of respect in which we have been able to appreciate the differences and similarities in our cultures.
“Since the moment of our arrival we have really been touched by the kindness and respect that we have been shown. Our hosts have treated us with great consideration and are always keen to make us happy.
“As we all know from experience, in football, just as in everyday life, when people show you respect and affection and do everything they can to make things easier for you, life is much happier, even when you face difficult moments.”
Once again Mike Ashley has been exposed – not that this will come as any great surprise to us fans.
He spent years at Newcastle sending his messenger boy (Lee Charnley) to communicate with Rafa, with meetings between himself and the Spaniard clearly happening once in a blue moon.
Rafa deserved better and, even though some feel he was bigger and better than China, he’s clearly being treat with the right level of respect and appreciation out in the middle-east.
