By Neil Langer
Taking in the last two friendlies in Portugal along with performances over the previous 12 months, it’s easy to see we have no goals in us.
The game with Braga was humiliating, but it should have sent out a clear message, and if that is a message the owner was to take on board, last night’s defeat could turn out to be more productive than a Toon victory.
Rafa is desperate for a quality number 9, but a goalscorer comes with a premium price; north of £30m one would suggest.
Ashley is not going to sanction such a spend and so once again the future looks bleak – emphasised by one of the most deflating and resigned Rafa Benitez interviews we’ve ever heard after the game last night.
Whilst trying to remain optimistic, events surrounding the signing of Salomon Rondon, (who is a moderate attacking option at best),do not give any fan rise for optimism.
Rafa staying at Newcastle under Mike Ashley is basically delaying the inevitable. There is a growing wave of feeling among supporters that the only chance of progress is to first encounter further failure. Failure without Rafa, for relegation and financial suffering for the owner.
We are in denial if we believe we are better than a Championship club given the current mess we find ourselves in. This is not an attack on the current playing squad, we are simply not good enough – and Rafa;s
Walk away Rafa, the fans understand and will still love you – it’s time for action ‘if you go – we go’
