OPINION
Charlie Nicholas’s verdict on Rafa Benitez is a rollercoaster ride of emotions for all Newcastle fans as it provides hope and fear at the same time.
The Sky Sports pundit was asked for his opinion on the Magpies’ manager and shared that Benitez had a CV that meant he had options when it came to choosing who to manage.
Nicholas despite making that remark which will have Magpies fans fearing someone will poach Benitez, quickly added he thought the Spaniard would stay put at St James’ Park.
If that wasn’t enough of a jump in emotions for Newcastle fans, the pundit then pointed out that even thought Benitez may stay beyond this season, his head could soon be turned again due to the club not looking likely to be sold anytime soon.
“He said it’s going to take 70million+ to get the standards I want, that’s fine, but behind the scenes, he will only take what they call a project, which is the right word for him now, as at his age and his CV, he can afford to pick what he wants to go to,” said Nicholas on Soccer Saturday (Sky Sports News, April 6th, 14:04).
“And if it’s not better than Newcastle, he will stay hopefully, and I think he will stay, I agree with Thomo (Phil Thompson), there’s something about it he does enjoy.
“Nothing would treat him better if there was a sale, it doesn’t look in the near future there is one, but that might spark his head again and create another mess for him.”
Nicholas takes with one hand and gives with the other.
All Newcastle fans were probably punching the air that another high-profile pundit was confident Benitez would stay at St James’ Park as given the manager’s talent, that situation is the one supporters dream of.
Yet Nicholas then implies that Benitez’s long-term happiness at St James’ Park is not guaranteed if he stays, and seems on the brink of suggesting that Magpies supporters will rightly always have to worry about the manager staying, as long as Mike Ashley is there.
With this is a realistic suggestion, after finishing reading Nicholas’ verdict, Newcastle fans won’t know how to feel as the pundit remarks would have given them a range of corresponding emotions.
