Rafa Benitez has insisted that he has no control over the takeover situation at the club – even though he admits it would be much easier to focus on football if we finally did see new owners arrive.
We are fast approaching the January transfer window and with no update on whether the Peter Kenyon consortium is in a position to seal a takeover of the club. The uncertainty must be frustrating for Benitez; who has been here before with the collapse of the PCP deal this time last year.
Here’s a snippet from Rafa’s recent appearance on BBC Radio 5Live, with him having this to say when asked if talk of a takeover was distraction:
“No, we have been here before. We understand because I am someone with some experience. The best way to manage this situation is to concentrate on what depends on you. For us, it is just to prepare the games, give the right training sessions and give the proper instructions to our players to make sure we are ready for the next game.
“People talking about the takeover doesn’t mean anything to us. We just have to stay calm and do what we can do now and prepare the game properly.
“Obviously, (if the club was taken over) I wouldn’t have to talk about it and I could concentrate on football but this is the way now.
“I understand you have to ask the questions and I understand I have to give the right answers but at the same time, my priority is focusing on the games.
“I can’t control the situation with the takeover.”
The manager and the players know they need to focus on what is now a massive game at the weekend as we visit fellow strugglers Huddersfield. The last minute defeat by Wolves has stopped our momentum and success on the pitch may also force the hand of potential buyers to put their money where their mouth is – if we ease away from the relegation zone.
I think we are all frustrated with the situation currently – a 94th minute defeat last time out, takeover talk going quiet, Ashley supposedly halting the Almiron deal. 3 points at the weekend would help us all get back to football matters – which as as we know being Newcastle fans, is usually easier said than done.
