Rafa Benitez to make decision on his Newcastle future in next two weeks
Saturday 14 May 2016 14:01, UK
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed he will make a decision on his future at the club in the next two weeks.
Sky sources revealed on Thursday that Benitez had met with Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley following the club's relegation from the Premier League and held initial talks over his future at St James' Park.
It is understood the three-year contract Benitez signed in March does include a release clause and he could exercise the option after failing to keep Newcastle in the top-flight.
When asked about whether he had made a decision on his future, Benitez said: "No, not really. We said we will have more meetings. I can say it was very positive in what we were discussing.
"Obviously if I decide to come here it's because I knew it was a massive club and had massive support from the fans. That was my impression when I came and I am really flattered by the fans, they have been amazing.
"I know it could be even more positive in the future, but at the moment we have to prepare for the game tomorrow (against Tottenham) and then we will try and do the best for everyone, for me, for the club, for the fans and everyone here.
"I am professional and I have been in this business for a while. I am the kind of manager that has achieved what I have achieved by working very hard. I was not a famous star as a player, so I needed to work very hard.
"I have experienced two promotions with different clubs in Spain and I have had the experience of getting relegated. I have also won a lot of trophies, so I can understand when some people say he cannot stay and there's others that say he will do it.
"So, we have to be calm and I want what the fans want, a successful team that will be promoted back to the Premier League as soon as possible.
"We will talk, have more meetings and then we will see what will happen. But if I am here and discussing these things, it's because obviously in my head there's a chance and we have to keep talking."
Benitez added that he would need assurances over the strength of the team and structure of the club before committing himself to Newcastle.
"It is not a question of money, it is a question of having a structure that will allow the club in the next year and the future to be strong and compete in the Premier League," he said.
When asked if those assurances, if given, would see him stay on at Newcastle, Benitez added: "I am happy to discuss all these things but I don't want to say things that after someone will say 'he was saying that and he change'.
"No, at the moment, I am really pleased with our first conversation and really pleased with the people here, the staff, the players and everyone since I have come has been fantastic."
