Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has refused to confirm whether or not he will renew his contract on Tyneside when it runs out in the summer.
The Spaniard saw his side secure deals for Miguel Almiron and Antonio Barreca on deadline day following speculation that he would leave the club if they failed to strengthen his squad this month, as reported by the Telegraph.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, as quoted by the Daily Mail, Benitez denied any such intention, but refused to confirm whether he would stay either.
He said: “I didn’t say if we don’t sign players, I will leave. I will not say now that because we have signed two players, I will sign.
“We have plenty of time to talk about the future. I always use a crucial word – balance. That is key, we have to stay calm.
“I am quite pragmatic and I am happier now than one week ago. Why? Because we won against Man City and have bought two players who give us something we didn’t have.
“We are better equipped for the last 14 games. That’s it. I am pragmatic and realistic. I think we have balance, and we are in a better position now. I have to be happier than I was before.”
OPINION
It’s hard to say what will happen with Benitez. The Spaniard clearly loves Newcastle, and the fans absolutely adore him, but a mutual affection may not be enough to secure his future on Tyneside. There’s no doubt that the club would have him given the borderline miracles he has worked in recent seasons, but he would also have a handsome queue of suitors if he decided that he did want to leave, and that could be a problem. Things have been fraught at St. James’ Park for too long, and Benitez has had to fight an uphill battle to get any kind of financial backing from his board. The signing of Miguel Almiron in particular may go a long way to appeasing the manager, but it could also be a case of too little, too late. A lot of this may become moot depending on the Magpies’ survival hopes this season. They should be safe, on paper, but nothing is certain, and if things were to suddenly go south and they can’t avoid the drop, there’s a serious chance that Benitez would finally wash his hands of the whole mess.
