OPINION
There is no questioning that Newcastle United fans are absolutely desperate to see Rafael Benitez remain at St James’ Park for the long term but with a contract that expires at the end of the season, everything is up in the air.
The Magpies have grown to love the Spaniard more and more over the three years he has been on Tyneside, not just for the miracles he has worked on the pitch – taking a newly promoted side with little investment to finishing 10th in the Premier League – but for the relationship built up away from matchday.
He has introduces children’s football competitions at the club’s training centre, improved the academy setup and worked with the community on Tyneside to make a real difference.
It is why the Newcastle want him to stay around for as long as possible – but Benitez has put a deadline on his future.
Speaking to Marca about former club Valencia, as quoted by the Chronicle, he said: “I have a lot of respect for the coach of Valencia, I have ten years of football left and you never know where I will end up. I have not repeated any job in my career.”
Not only will Newcastle fans hope that he does not return to Spain and break his tradition, they will be dreaming about a decade of Benitez in the north east.
There is undoubtedly a project being built by the former Liverpool boss and leaving this summer would cut his plans short by a long way – he would likely join the fans in being bitterly disappointed he could not carry out his dream.
Knowing he is into his last 10 years as a manager, the Toon Army would be over the moon to see Benitez make Newcastle his final job, giving him the chance to take the club to new heights and see out his long-term vision that is already underway.
The fans’ desperation for the Spaniard to stay will have hit new heights with this admission – they would do anything to see him spend the long-term future at the club.