Fans of Newcastle United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which contained a voice clip of Rafael Benitez discussing a potential return to the club.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, the former Newcastle manager discussed his time at the club, and in reaction to the question of whether or not he would be open to a return to the Magpies, he stated that ‘the Premier League is a target’ for him ‘in the future’.
So, what did these Newcastle United fans have to say in reaction to Rafael Benitez’s comments?
I wouldn't want him back. Its all about Rafa. Totally over rated. Chopped n changed our team cos he didn't know his best 11. Wouldnt play mitro n shelvey, our two best players at the time. Look what he's done in China, on the verge of relegation.
— Newbrook82 (@newbrook82) November 20, 2020
One of the greatest games in our history? How deluded? I can think of better games under Pardew. He doesn’t give it a rest does he? It’s all about him and his own agenda.
— stevenufc (@stevenufc3) November 20, 2020
Nigel Pearson would do a better job
— Ali Pericles (@ali_pericles) November 19, 2020
Wait till the last minute… really.. it takes months to agree a contract the same as he is on in China, he had no intention in staying
— Steve Thompson (@thompamoo) November 20, 2020
In his time at Newcastle, the Spaniard oversaw 146 games, winning 62, drawing 30 and losing 54, guiding the club to the Championship title, as well as a 10th-placed Premier League finish in the 2017/18 season and a 13th-placed finish in the following campaign.
However, at the end of his deal with the Magpies, citing a lack of trust in the Newcastle board, Benitez decided to reject the offer of a new contract from the club and instead joined Chinese side Dalian Professional.
Would you take Benitez back as Newcastle manager?
Yes
No
Although, after the 60-year-old hinted that he could be open to a return to the club in his recent comments, in stark comparison to the previous fans, some of the Newcastle faithful were delighted at the idea of his return.
He’s coming home, he’s coming home, he’s coming…RAFAS COMING HOME!! ??
— beth (@bethmann99) November 19, 2020
You love to see it, the return of the king ??
— Sam Hutchinson ???? (@Samchinson) November 19, 2020
Don’t do this to me Rafa, it’s the hope that kills you https://t.co/wdSltPxV5T
— Nick Jackson (@NickJacksonHQ) November 20, 2020
That was a resounding YES from Rafa then ???
— TheClubFormerlyKnownAsNUFC (@heatonjake1892) November 19, 2020
The man knows https://t.co/1E1YgwWXV8
— Adrian Cross (@AdrianC74116580) November 20, 2020
Don’t care what anyone says I would take Rafa back in a heartbeat
— Calum Nicholls (@CalumNicholls) November 20, 2020
All in all, it would appear that opinion is somewhat split amongst these Newcastle fans as to whether or not they would like to see Benitez return to the club, with some stating their belief that the Spaniard is deluded, while others claimed they would take him back in a heartbeat.