Speaking to the media today ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Cardiff tomorrow night, Rafa Benitez has sent a reassuring message to the fans, claiming he is ‘happy’ and ‘confident’ ahead of talks with Mike Ashley.
It has been a frantic few days on Tyneside. After our promotion was confirmed on Monday, dark clouds gathered just yesterday following news of tax fraud investigations at the club – seeing Lee Charnley arrested.
A day on and Rafa Benitez has spoken out, providing an upbeat outlook on the matter:
“With all these things going on (HMRC) we’re trying to do business as usual.”
“It happened in the past, four or five years ago. I have to concentrate on football and do my job”
“I spoke to Lee Charnley yesterday evening and today about pre-season. We just concentrate on football and training”
Benitez then went onto discuss his future and Mike Ashley, having confirmed that the NUFC owner called him to congratulate him and his team on promotion:
“I have held conversations with Mike Ashley about what is going on and what they will do.”
“I’m confident. I’m happy. I will meet with Mike Ashley to discuss everything, including myself”.
These reassuring words from Benitez come at a perfect time, highlighting the value of such a wise and experienced figure at the heart of this club.
The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas summed it up perfectly this afternoon, claiming today’s message from Rafa highlights “the importance of having a manager who manages. Not just football, everything – on and off the field“.
Benitez is our calm in the storm and vital to the future of this club.
It is therefore promising to hear that the gaffer is ‘confident’ and ‘happy’ about his future at the club, with his contact with Mike Ashley and plans for further talks suggesting things are moving in the right direction.
