Kevin Keegan makes strange comment about Benitez’s promotion with Newcastle

Kevin Keegan has played down Rafa Benitez’s latest achievement with Newcastle United, suggesting promotion was ‘not that difficult’ given the resources at his disposal.

The former United manager said the following in a recent interview with the Liverpool Echo when asked about the Spaniard:

“They wanted him to stay and he stayed. They wanted him to bring them back up. I think he’s then got his biggest job without doubt.

“It’s not that difficult to get Newcastle out of the Championship with the finance they’ve got, the players they’ve kept, the fans they’ve got.

“But it’s a bit more difficult when you get in with the big boys who are a few steps ahead of you. Newcastle is a big club like Liverpool but it hasn’t won anything for a long time.”

I wholeheartedly agree that turning Newcastle into a competitive Premier League side is Benitez’s toughest challenge yet, but I feel his comments on our promotion completely disregard Rafa’s achievements this season.

Yes we invested heavily last summer and kept SOME of our assets, but it was a period of huge change at the club.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, yet Rafa and Newcastle United were burdened with the immediate pressure and expectation to not only win each week, but gain an immediate return to the Premier League.

Aston Villa and Norwich’s seasons highlight just how difficult it can be to bounce straight back up following relegation, making Kevin’s take on the matter all the more short sighted.

Kevin is a legend at Newcastle and will be remembered for his team of entertainers, but his comments here are naive to say the least.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

One thought on “Kevin Keegan makes strange comment about Benitez’s promotion with Newcastle

  1. Keegan is spot on with his basic
    assessment. However, the squad Rafa adopted lacked any backbone or team spirit. They also had a group of money grabbing / under performing / over-rated individual players, such as Sissoko. Ask Spurs fans!! Last time Newcastle were relegated they had a team of leaders and an unplayable striker. Keegan’s right, but Rafa’s work in the dressing room and in the city stands out for extra praise. Now Rafa will get transfer funds. If he gets to choose the players, he’ll make Newcastle competitive (top half). If not, he’ll leave before a ball is kicked. Over to Mike Ashley now …… I think the owner will deliver in the Summer window, as he did
    In the Summer of 2015!! Rafa stays and we secure a top 10 finish as he builds a squad for Europe in the next couple of seasons. That’s the realistic goal ………

      (Quote)

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