Journalist Guillem Balagué has dismissed any talk of Rafael Benitez making a return to Newcastle United under the current regime.
Current boss Steve Bruce is currently under a lot of pressure at St James’ Park following a disastrous run of results that have left his side perilously close to the relegation zone. With those parameters in place, it’s no surprise to see people talking about who could potentially replace Bruce if owner Mike Ashley decides to part ways.
One of those names mentioned was former head coach Benitez as journalist Ian McGarry speaking on the Transfer Window podcast (quoted by The Mag) claimed that Ashley was in touch with the Spaniard. But speaking on the latest edition of his Ask Guillem show (29:25), the journalist claimed that nothing has really changed since he left in 2019, so the chances of him returning are pretty slim:
“Is there a project with Mike Ashley? Is there a plan? Is there intention to actually spend money on the academy and the facilities and in the squad? If the answer is no, then you’ve got the answer for Rafa Benitez if he ever was approached again. But he hasn’t, and it is a no.”
Do you think Benitez could return?
Yes, if we get new owners
No, he has had his time
TIF Thoughts on Guillem Balague’s comments about Rafael Benitez and Newcastle United
Balagué does make good points when it comes to Benitez and his relationship with Newcastle United, with the Spaniard himself saying that it was a lack of trust that played a huge part in his departure the first time around.
So if not much has changed since then, there’s really no incentive for him to come back and try and make good on what was a disaster the first time around. There have of course been reports that he could come back if the proposed takeover of the club were to go through, but that appears to be the only way that he would ever come back.