Rafael Benitez has revealed that he has a far better relationship with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley than many people think.
Benitez’s future has been plunged into doubt after he admitted he is locked in a stand-off with the club over extending his contract, which expires in 12 months.
But the Spaniard revealed that the key contract details are not his personal earnings but facilities at the club and transfers.
Speaking to Guillem Balague for talkSPORT, as revealed in a video on their official Twitter account, he said: “My relationship with the owners, normally, is not as bad as people think.
“I’m not fighting for what’s best for Rafa Benitez. Normally I never have a problem with my contract, because it’s more or less I want to improve the facilities, I want to improve the academy.
“Or I want to bring better players and be more competitive like that. The fans appreciate that.”
"I'm fighting for the best for my club!"
Rafa Benitez tells @GuillemBalague what's really going on at #NUFC pic.twitter.com/Gr9APh02Tj
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) May 22, 2018
OPINION
Benitez’s revelation that his relationship with Ashley is actually pretty cordial will fill Newcastle fans with great hope amid concern that his contract stand-off with the owner will result in a parting of the ways for the immensely popular manager this summer. Supporters are desperate for Benitez to commit for next season and continue working wonders on the shoestring budget he will more than likely be handed by Ashley yet again, assuming that a takeover cannot be agreed (and you will struggle to find a Newcastle fan willing to bet on that outcome). The Spaniard explained that the focus of his contract talks are improving the facilities at the club, such as the training ground and academy, and bringing in better players than the ones already at the club. Rafa sounds like a man going nowhere, and fans will certainly drink to that.
