Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has said he asked a friend about the Celtic job, according to journalist Peter A Smith.
Smith revealed the news on his personal Twitter account on Sunday, stating that Benitez admitted he consulted his friend Frank McParland – a former Rangers scout – about the now-filled position with the Hoops.
The Spaniard decided against the Parkhead post for now, but apparently would consider it in the future. Meanwhile, he remains in the dark about his future with the Magpies and any potential takeover bid.
Benitez was heavily linked with the Celtic job earlier this summer, but has said there were no official talks, although he was aware of the links.
Interesting chat with Rafa Benitez. He’s still in the dark about his future at Newcastle & any takeover bid. Also told me he consulted his friend Frank McParland (ex-Rangers scout) about the prospect of the Celtic job. He decided against for now, but would consider it in future. pic.twitter.com/MiTJqZ18Fy
— Peter A Smith (@PeterAdamSmith) June 2, 2019
OPINION
This is very interesting stuff from Smith, isn’t it? Clearly, whatever way you look at it, Benitez thought long and hard about the potential of taking the Celtic job. That doesn’t mean he was ever genuinely going to, and he obviously decided against it, but he wouldn’t have done that if he was 100% happy as Newcastle boss. He is, as he says, in the dark on his future. That’s very concerning for the Magpies supporters, who just want some clarity on their manager now. They’re not going to get any any time soon, though, if the man himself doesn’t even know if he’s coming or going. It’s interesting, because everyone seemed to think that Benitez to Celtic was laughable at the time when the links first appeared. Apparently, though, he considered it and will do again in the future. This is all very concerning from a Newcastle point of view, with no movement on Benitez’s future seeming in any way imminent.
