Former Newcastle United player Steve Howey has delivered his verdict on current boss Rafa Benitez, praising him for how he managed to guide the side to tenth place last season despite having a “limited squad”.
The Magpies have recorded two consecutive victories in the Premier League against Watford and Bournemouth, and Howey has joked about the one thing that Benitez does after every win – taking off his glasses and putting them away like it is “job done.”
He says that the Spaniard is a “top manager” for managing to achieve such a task last season, especially on United’s promotion to the Premier League.
“I do like it at the end of every win he takes his glasses and sticks them in the side pocket like it’s job done. he told the Chronicle.
“His CV speaks for itself. I have spoken about, all the ex-players have and all the journalists have. He is a top manager. He has managed to get a very limited squad across the line to finish in the top 10 last year.”
OPINION
Howey is right – the fact that Benitez was able to guide the team to a tenth placed position in the top-flight upon their return is quite the achievement. Not many sides are able to do that when they get promoted, but it seems like Benitez has defied all of the odds due to his experience as a manager. That feat does not look like it will repeat itself this year after a dismal start to the season, but there is no doubt that they will be able to secure their safety in the Premier League. The Spaniard is too good a manager to be relegated, and he will surely prove to be the difference between Newcastle and the other teams also fighting to avoid the drop. Whether the international break will prove dividends for them remains to be seen, but fans will be hoping that it will not hamper the progress they were making before. Newcastle are more than capable of beating Burnley on Monday, especially if Salomon Rondon maintains his scoring streak.
