OPINION
Newcastle United fans love manager Rafael Benitez – that much is clear as day.
The Spaniard has galvanised not only the players on the pitch but the supporters in the stands and they are now as united as they ever have been under the ownership of Mike Ashley – who has also brought the fans together with their disdain for him.
Benitez has more often than not had a special relationship with the fans at whatever club he has been at – Real Madrid perhaps the only exception in a list that includes Napoli and Liverpool – and that has not changed at St James’ Park, with the Toon Army having an impact on him staying at the club three years ago.
He told Sky Sports: “I have a very good bond with them because they were supporting me. The last game against Spurs [in the 15/16 season], we were already relegated, and they were singing my name. It was key in terms of my decision (to stay).
“Obviously when you are a professional and you work so hard, to see the recognition from the people around from the fans is massive for a manager.”
Those in the crowd made the difference in him staying despite their relegation to the Championship and with his future very much up in the air right now, the supporters will no doubt be loving what he is saying.
If they have convinced him to put pen to paper once, surely they can do it again?
Yes, the promises made by Ashley when it comes to the likes of transfer funds and improvements behind the scenes will play a massive factor, but it seems as though a relationship with the fans is something Benitez cherishes as a manager.
All the Toon Army have to do is keep chanting his name week in, week out – then we will see if the Magpies can give him what he wants from a footballing perspective.
