Newcastle United have lined up Olympique Lyonnais manager Bruno Genesio as a potential replacement for Rafael Benitez with both out of contract at the end of the season, according to L’Equipe.
The reputable French publication claim on their website that the 52-year-old Lyon boss, who managed to guide his side through to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they suffered defeat to Barcelona, is coming to the end of his deal and while he wants to extend his stay at the club, is eyed by Newcastle as someone who could take over from Benitez.
It is stated that Genesio and Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas have spoken over the manager’s future and that a key decision over whether he remains or goes will be made over the coming weeks, before the end of April.
Opinion
It seems as though Newcastle are keen on having a manager with some serious pedigree if Benitez does leave but if that is the case, why let the Spaniard depart in the first place? Money saved is nothing compared to what the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss can do with a half decent squad and the fact he is loved by, and loves, the St James’ Park faithful means that him staying would keep a lot of people happy on Tyneside. However, if he were to go, whoever were to fill his void would face a lot of bitterness and resentment from the Toon Army and while that will not be their fault, it is the poison chalice that comes with succeeding Benitez in the dugout. Genesio seems to be a decent manager, leading his side to sit third in Ligue 1, and the fact he has only ever managed in France should not tarnish his reputation. We have seen overseas managers flourish in England and the fact his team beat Manchester City 2-1 – a familiar scoreline to Newcastle fans this season – in the Champions League suggests he could well be a decent option. He will not be Benitez though and that is what the Toon Army want.