Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has revealed the details of what was said between him and owner Mike Ashley following the 1-0 win over Watford last Saturday.
The Spaniard says that the Sports Direct tycoon congratulated him personally for guiding the Magpies to such a monumental victory, as well as taking the time to thank the team and the staff for their efforts.
However, Ashley is yet to give Benitez any hints as to what his transfer budget will be in the January transfer window, as well as any updates on his own contract situation.
“I wasn’t there [in the dressing room], but when I spoke to him he said: ‘Well done, congratulations – well done. Thank you,'” Benitez said, as quoted by the Chronicle.
“He congratulated the team and then he congratulated the staff. He is welcome [at the ground against this weekend]; he is the owner, he can do what he wants.
“I was expecting more questions about January, but we have to concentrate on now and what we have to. We have plenty of opportunities to talk about that, we have to maximise what we have now. The future can wait.”
OPINION
This development between the pair can most definitely be seen as a positive, as this time around, we know what was said between them. The fact that Ashley took time out after the match to congratulate everybody is a step in the right direction for the club – however, the fact that he has provided no hints as to what the transfer budget will be is rather worrying. Yes, it may not be until January, but Benitez will surely appreciate being notified of how much he has to spend so he can get going as soon as it opens. The lack of contact between the manager and the owner at Newcastle over the last few years has been quite alarming, so here is hoping that this is the start of increased discourse between the between the pair. Now that the team have a victory on the board, Ashley may start to take a bit more notice – and that can only be more motivation for Benitez.