Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez says he isn’t looking far beyond the next two games despite the Magpies clinching promotion back to the Premier League after beating Preston 4-1 at St James’ Park last night.
Benitez’s side still have a slim chance of catching Brighton in first place but the Seagulls only need one win to seal the Championship title. Speaking after victory yesterday, the Spaniard was asked to look forward to next season. The Magpies boss was quoted by the Chronicle as saying that there is work to be done to ensure his team can compete at a higher level:
“Now is the time to enjoy what we have done. I am sure if we do the right things, we have to prepare everything to be strong enough for the Premier League. We have to wait and enjoy it, play another two games and see where we are.”
In what was perceived as a comment directed to owner Mike Ashley, Benitez responded cryptically when asked about his own future at the club. He said “you never know” in football how things will go.
The Chronicle report that Newcastle are now after eight players to strengthen the squad for next season, and Benitez is no doubt making his case to the ownership that he needs the funds to strengthen in many areas.
