Newcastle United have not spoken to Gennaro Gattuso about potentially replacing Rafa Benitez at St. James’ Park, according to the Chronicle.
The Italian left his role at AC Milan at the end of the Serie A season, and according to Calcio Mercato, was being considered as a potential replacement for Benitez.
But the Chronicle refutes any suggestion that discussions have taken place between the Magpies and Gattuso’s representatives, instead insisting that their focus remains on tying the current manager down to a new deal.
OPINION
This is a bit of a mixed bag in truth. On the one hand, nobody wants Benitez to go, and it will be reassuring to hear that the club’s priority still lies with getting him tied down to a new deal, but on the other, the reality of the situation is that he could well leave, and if that does happen then an alternative will have to be found. Gattuso, you have to say, would be a really interesting choice. He has shown he has the talent as a manager to cut it at the top level, and his reputation in the modern game precedes him. Yes, he is unorthodox, and yes, he is a bit of a hot head, but Geordies love nothing more than a bit of charisma, and the prospect of the little Italian prowling the touchline at St. James’ Park is a mouthwatering one. How he would deal with an owner like Mike Ashley, however, is a different kettle of fish entirely.