Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has insisted that he is committed to the club amidst speculation about his future.
The Spaniard’s £6 million deal is set to come to an end next summer. As someone with plenty of experience and an impressive managerial record, Benitez is certainly one who will attract a lot of interest from top clubs should he make himself available again.
Since taking over at St James Park in 2016, Benitez has attracted a lot of praise for the work that he has done for the Magpies despite their behind the scenes boardroom troubles.
Benitez was appointed to manage the club during the 2015-16 season when the club were in dire trouble and he could not save them from avoiding relegation from the Premier League during that season. However, he led them straight back to the Premier League during the 2016-17 season as the club went on to win the Championship.
Despite having had to work with a very limited transfer budget last season, Benitez managed to guide the Magpies to a respectable 10th place finish in the top-flight.
The Magpies have so far made a slow start to this season but considering the behind the scenes trouble at the club, avoiding relegation will be a realistic target for this season.
Speaking ahead of his sides clash against Burnley on Monday, Benitez said as quoted by The Daily Star:
“My position is very clear,”
“If you can see the club progressing it would be easier, because I am happy here.”
When asked if he was considering leaving Newcastle, he added:
“No. At the moment I want to make sure that we concentrate on games, one game at a time, a see what we can do in January.
“What I think is that Mike (Ashley, owner), Lee (Charnley MD), when I talk with them they realise we are close and if we do the right things we will be better. Can we do it? We will try.
“Maybe we don’t need to do anything. But I want to see if we can do something to make sure we can be better every week.”
