OPINION
Newcastle United fans will be feeling a little more confident in their hunt for Premier League survival after Saturday’s comfortable win over Huddersfield – but a crucial development on Sunday might have struck fear into their hearts.
It was a dominant victory over the Terriers, the likes of Miguel Almiron and Salomon Rondon unlucky to only see their side score two after they threatened time and again in front of the St James’ Park faithful.
Rafael Benitez’s tactics worked a treat and proved why he is crucial in the Magpies’ hunt to remain in the top flight – the Toon Army still fearing that he will be on his way at the end of the season, with his contract coming to an end.
However, reports last week suggested that the Newcastle fans should be fearing his exit earlier than the end of the campaign, with the Times suggesting that Premier League rivals Leicester City had lined the Spaniard up as one of their first choice options to replace Claude Puel.
With Sunday bringing the crucial development that Puel had indeed left the King Power Stadium, as confirmed on the Foxes’ official Twitter account, the fans at Newcastle may well have had their levels of fear taken up a notch – but the truth is they should not be too concerned.
Benitez got what he wanted in the January transfer window in the shape of Miguel Almiron, which he will be hoping is the first step in a number of investments which give him the confidence to pen a new deal, and it would not be like the Spaniard to leave mid-season – he is a man of more loyalty and high standards than to leave the Magpies in the lurch.
Leicester can offer huge finances and an exciting team but Benitez is adored by Newcastle fans and that relationship goes both ways – cutting it off now is just not in his nature.