OPINION
Newcastle United fans might be a little worried about how their side has performed in the early stages of the new season but their real fears will lie in the future of manager Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard is a firm favourite of the Toon Army after his two-and-a-half years in charge of the Magpies, connecting with the fans and building a resolute squad full of passion of commitment – no thanks to owner Mike Ashley, of course.
However, as exciting as it has been for the Newcastle fans to have a Champions League winning manager at the helm, Benitez’s time at St James’ Park could well be coming to an end, with his contract expiring at the end of the current campaign and no signs to suggest he will be penning a new deal.
It would be heartbreak for the supporters, who have grown to love the former Liverpool man, and it leaves questions over who could fill the enormous boots which would be left by his exit.
Step forward world renowned German manager Joachim Low, who has hinted a move to the Premier League could well be on the cards.
A World Cup winning boss back in 2014, the 58-year-old has been part of the German national setup since 2004, and head coach since 2006, with over a decade out of club football.
Unproven at a domestic level, it does not seem to have stopped the experienced senior figure from thinking about the next step of his career, stating to beIN Sports: “The Premier League is always interesting, of course it’s always interesting.
“I can’t, at the moment, say exactly what will be in two years. Now I’m responsible for the German national team, this brings a lot of fun for me and motivation. In two years we will see.”
Benitez might be gone before then, but if Newcastle wanted to be truly ambitious, they should be launching a move to take Low from national duty a year before he expects to reassess his situation.
His lack of experience means that the bog boys of world football might be reluctant to take a gamble, and Newcastle would represent a new project after his time with Germany.
Such a coup would help lessen the heartache of Benitez’s departure, and make sure that Newcastle stayed firmly on the map when it comes to world football.