OPINION
Rafael Benitez has done a tremendous job at Newcastle United, and Mike Ashley must back him now or risk losing him to Spain.
According to the Daily Star, Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is on Spain’s shortlist to be the next national team coach.
The outlet report that Benitez is being considered for the role after the previous boss Julen Lopetegui left the role to join Real Madrid on the eve of the tournament, with his replacement Fernando Hierro failing to reach the quarter-finals.
If Benitez was to leave the club for the Spanish national team job, it would be a massive blow for Newcastle. The Spaniard has been performing excellently at St. James Park and has been constantly overachieving with the players he’s had at his disposal.
He is adored on Tyneside and would be sorely missed, considering what Benitez has done with the club over the past few seasons. It would also be a blow to owner Mike Ashley, who would have to look for another manager and it leaves the club at risk of relegation.
The Spain national team job is a massive role and it would be foolish for the Toon manager to turn down that opportunity and I’m sure most Newcastle fans would agree.
They would not begrudge him for wanting to take charge of his own country, especially with the talent they have in their squad, he could win major trophies with the team. It’s never looked more likely that the 58-year-old will leave the club. However, there is a way to keep Benitez.
This development means its now or never for Mike Ashley. He must back his manager and give him whatever he wants in this transfer window. There have been too many occasions where the club have been gazumped by another team because they were too busy haggling over the fee.
Ashley must sign the players Benitez wants or they risk losing him forever, and Toon fans will not be happy if that happens.
