Rafael Benitez keen to keep Ayoze Perez at Newcastle if he remains manager
Friday 26 April 2019 23:44, UK
Rafael Benitez has vowed to keep Ayoze Perez at Newcastle if he stays on as manager.
Perez has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season and his first hat-trick for the Magpies in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton has increased speculation over a possible move away from the club.
However, Benitez remains relaxed over the striker's future and will do all he can to keep him on Tyneside.
Asked if he would fight to keep Perez, the 59-year-old said: "Yes, he is an important player for us.
"I do not see any problem now. Finish the season, see what happens and if someone comes for this player or that, it is very normal when players are doing well. If someone comes, deal with that."
Perez arrived at Newcastle from Spanish side Tenerife as a 20-year-old during the summer of 2014 and has become an increasingly important part of Benitez's team.
His treble against the Saints saw him set a personal best for goals in a single league season for Newcastle, but his manager insists he can still improve.
"I am the first one to criticise Ayoze. Why? Because he has to be more consistent and he has the potential," Benitez added.
"You cannot criticise a player who cannot give you more, but Ayoze is one that we know he can do well, he can do better and he has room for improvement.
"When I am telling him to change this or that, he knows. Maybe sometimes he is not happy, but always you remember the teacher who pushes you harder, not the one who was always nice. You have to push them and find the balance."
Benitez's own future remains uncertain but as he prepares his players to face Brighton on Saturday, he has urged them to remain focused and ignore events off the pitch.
"I told them the other day, it doesn't matter what happens to me or not. We are professional. We do our job, we have to be focused, train well and give everything. That's it," he said.
