OPINION
Much has already been written about Rafael Benitez’s future as Newcastle United manager, but it’s always interesting to hear the views of former players.
David Ginola, a former Magpies favourite, was extremely vocal in his support of the Spaniard on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, and his words need to be heard by the inflexible Newcastle hierarchy.
“He’s the main figure for the club,” he told Sky Sports. “My question is can Newcastle United match his expectation in terms of looking at the future?
“Rafa Benitez is one of the best managers around and he has proved it many times. Now I’m questioning whether Newcastle are able to match his expectations in terms of the financial aspect of the game.
“Rafa Benitez is the main figure because he’s the manager, he’s the man in charge. Now give him the keys to succeed with the club because otherwise they will be fighting against relegation every season,” he finished.
Ginola is absolutely spot on, here. Rafa needs to be given the resources to take Newcastle up the table where they belong. There is so much potential with this football club and Benitez is undoubtedly the man to take them forward.
However, the club could end up losing their best manager in years if they don’t back him financially. As Ginola says, there is doubt over whether the Magpies can provide the Spaniard with what he needs to bring in the type of players to take the team to the next level.
A club of Newcastle’s size should not be battling relegation every year. They should be up with the likes of Everton, pushing the top six and attempting to get into Europe.
If Benitez is given the right backing then they will do that. The manager gave a reminder of his tactical brilliance with a switch in formation that bamboozled Burnley on Monday.
He is one of the finest managers in world football and he is being wasted right now. Ginola’s warnings should ring alarm bells at St James’ Park – they need to act quickly.
