Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that contract talks over his future at the club are currently on hold and that he is happy to stay if the top brass carry out his wishes.
The Spanish boss, who arrived on Tyneside back in 2016, is entering the final year of his three-year deal, leaving fans nervous about him leaving next summer.
While Benitez, who is a firm favourite at St James’ Park, confirmed that there had been discussions over extending his stay, he confirmed the current state of play is that discussions have not progressed, with the summer transfer window taking priority status.
He told the Chronicle: “I don’t think it’s an issue with my contract. I told Mike (Ashley, owner) and Lee (Charnley, managing director) and Justin (Barnes, aide to Ashley). They know that, if we do the right things, then I am keen to stay here for five years or whatever.
“I need to talk with Lee [about when talks will resume]. The last conversation was: ‘Oh, we can talk.’
“But I think it is more important to be sure that we do the right things now and then after we have plenty of time to talk about that. I will try to do my best and then hopefully, in a few weeks, things can be better and then we can keep talking.”
Opinion
Another diplomatic answer from Benitez, who will no doubt want to rant and rave over the position that Ashley has put him in this summer. He refuses to berate the owner for the lack of funds made available to him in the transfer window, but these comments make it clear that he is unwilling to put pen to paper over his long term future until his demands are met – not in terms of wage, but what is happening at the club. Newcastle fans dread to think what might happen if Benitez does leave St James’ Park next summer, and that possibility will only fuel their vitriol towards Ashley after over a decade of much disappointment. Still, talks have started and there is a possibility that the Spanish manager will be on Tyneside beyond his current deal – it just needs a serious change of approach to turn the dreams of the Magpies faithful into reality.