Rafael Benitez could be open to returning to Newcastle United in the future – as long as Mike Ashley isn’t the owner, according to The Chronicle journalist Mike Douglas.
The Magpies reporter claims that the Spaniard has come to the conclusion that he cannot work under the Sports Direct tycoon any more.
The club officially announced his departure on Monday, but Benitez is enamoured with many parts of life on Tyneside and could be open to a return in the future.
However, Benitez himself sees a quick return to St James’ Park under new ownership as highly unlikely.
OPINION
Obviously the ideal scenario for any Newcastle supporter is that new owners come in and take the club off Ashley’s hands and that Benitez returns as manager. However, it’s disappointing for them that the Spaniard see that as an extremely unlikely outcome at this moment in time. That’s a blow, but it doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. Obviously he’s never going to work under Ashley again, that’s simply non-negotiable. It’s a surprise that Benitez managed as long as he did under Ashley, in all honesty. The two men are diametrically opposed in their views and their vision for the football club. So as long as Ashley is in tow Benitez won’t be managing at St James’ Park again. However, he clearly loved his time at the club in terms of his relationship with the supporters, so it’s no surprise that he’d be open to returning under alternative stewardship. Let’s hope that scenario unfolds in the future, eh.
