Rafa Benitez has sent a clear message to Mike Ashley during today’s press conference, asking for future talks ‘as soon as possible’ after challenging the club to match his ambitions in his bid to bring silverware and European football back to St James’ Park.
Now our Premier League safety is all but secured, attentions have naturally turned to the future – with Rafa Benitez’s situation at the club being the top priority.
Here’s what the gaffer’s had to say during today’s press conference ahead of Monday’s trip to Everton:
“Me & the club have to be on the same page. We know what every single fan is expecting, & we have to show we can do that.
“We now have to see what we (the club) want to do in the future. They know my idea and we need to match ideas to compete. My idea is to be finishing in the top 8 and be competing for trophies and qualifying for Europe.”
“I want to be in at least the top 10 & then win trophies, be it the FA Cup, the League Cup or Europa League.”
“The situation is clear for me, I can feel the passion & ambitions of the fans. Now I just need to know the club match my ambitions too.”
“I’d like to speak to them about that as soon as possible.”
Rafa then answered questions on the summer transfer window, having this to say in response:
“Yeah we can start looking early.
“We have to start talking about ideas for the future. But first of all we need to know how much money is available, & then the prices of players. It depends on the ambitions of the club”
A strong message from the Spaniard, but one that sets out his demands and intentions quite clearly. To hear him speak about trophies and European football is exciting, but it’s worrying in equal measure that Mike Ashley may have to be the man to back such big ambitions.
It’s over the Ashley now, back Benitez or get a move on finding someone able to move this club forward to where Benitez knows it can be.
Rafa says his aim for #nufc is to be the top ten (at least), qualify for European football and win trophies (realistically domestic ones).
The man wants to make our dreams come true and bring back the old times of European football. He wants to bring us a trophy.
Back him.
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) April 20, 2018
