A lot of Newcastle United fans have been reacting to a tweet that was posted by journalist Aaron Stokes in which he relayed some comments that were recently made by ex-Toon manager Rafael Benitez.
Benitez is currently managing Dalian Professional, who finished second from bottom in Group A of the Chinese Super League this season.
After beating Shijiazhuang Ever Bright in the 9th-16th Place Play-offs, Benitez’s side lost the first leg of their 9th-12th Place Play-off clash against Tianjin Teda on Monday, after which the Spanish coach shared some frustration over “the understanding of the game” in China compared to Europe.
In his tweet, Stokes indicated that he thinks Benitez’s comments show that he is ‘clearly not enjoying life in China’ at present.
So, how did these Newcastle United fans react to this tweet about Benitez?
Rafa Benitez clearly not enjoying life in China after leaving #NUFC.
“In Europe, the game is different and here it is more difficult… So it’s not what you want to do or what you can do – it’s what your players can do.”
Dalian sit 2nd bottom, winning 1 of their last 9 games.
— Aaron Stokes (@AaronJStokes) October 27, 2020
Many of the Toon supporters who replied to Stokes’ tweet shared some negativity about their club’s former manager, with some criticising the 60-year-old coach.
he’s washed up https://t.co/Ef9ggudC9W
— max (@nufcmax__) October 27, 2020
Brucey would never https://t.co/0DCLAW6j5G
— Jack (@JackMccullaghhh) October 27, 2020
He did an average job at NUFC considering he was meant to be this world class manager – £150 million spent, mainly poor signings and football, very average results – worst home record in PL NUFC history for points won at ST James. Not surprised its gone belly up for him ?????
— Steven McDonnell PGA (@stevenmcPGA) October 27, 2020
Some Newcastle fans suggested that the Spaniard is just making excuses.
Shock excuses after excuses,
Bore off money grabber https://t.co/esk3qMlccx
— Stevo (@stevo4474) October 27, 2020
Sounds like he’s using the championship squad excuse again ???? never his fault
— Me (@newcastlefan55) October 27, 2020
Other Toon supporters shared that they wouldn’t want to see Benitez back at St. James’ Park, despite the fact that he guided the North East club to their joint-highest Premier League finish (10th) since the 2011/12 campaign in the 2017/18 season.
Here come the excuses. Never his fault is it? Just saved his team from relegation in a tin pot league. If we get taken over I just hope the new owners have got more ambition than to hire this bloke.
— stevenufc (@stevenufc3) October 27, 2020
Is he really blaming his players for his park the bus and boot it up to Rondon tactics not working? ? Keep that man as far away from NUFC as possible.
— TheMightyi (@The_Mighty_ii) October 27, 2020
However, not all Newcastle fans were negative about Benitez in response to this post and some indicated that they would take him back at Newcastle.
Bring him back….
— mr1234 (@onmyshoe) October 27, 2020
I’d happily have Rafa back at Newcastle
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) October 27, 2020
Would you take Benitez back at St. James' Park?
YES
NO
So, while some of these Toon fans seem to hold some warm feelings towards Benitez, the majority of the North East club’s supporters who replied to this tweet clearly aren’t big fans of the Dalian boss.