Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez insists he is trying to build a team capable of competing for “everything”.
The Spaniard failed to lead Newcastle to safety during the 2015-16 season, but remained in charge at the club determined to fire them back into the Premier League the following campaign.
His dream was achieved at the first attempt, leading Newcastle to the Championship title and automatic promotion, and he is now preparing to face-off against England’s elite once more.
Benitez is currently looking to make progress in the transfer market, which officially opens on July 1, to build a side capable of competing in the top-flight next term and ensuring their survival.
However, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid chief insists that he is looking to go one step further and compete in the Premier League for “everything”, starting with victory in a domestic cup competition.
He told the Daily Mail: “When I start something I put all my passion into it. I will try to do my best and hopefully everything will be fine.
“The things will be done in the right way and we can build what we want to build, a strong team and a strong club that can compete in the Premier League for everything.
“When I say everything, I don’t say the title, but why not? Everything means we have to be consistent. If you have the FA Cup, you can be there.”
Benitez made wholesale changes to his squad last summer in preparation for their Premier League promotion bid, acquiring as many as 12 new players for a combined total of £60million.
However, Benitez also raked in the profit, offloading the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Georginio Wijnaldum in big-money moves, which saw Newcastle recoup almost £90million in return.
But while the club may not be required to make quite as many changes to his squad this summer, he will be expected to pursue several transfer avenues after being given the backing of owner Mike Ashley.
Players with Premier League experience will be the priority for Newcastle in the coming months, but Benitez’s latest admission suggests that it is about more than just competing in the top-flight.