Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez revealed he had not been in contact with the club over extending his contract at St James’ Park since speaking briefly to Lee Charnley.
The Spaniard’s future has been the source of plenty of speculation in recent months, his current deal on Tyneside expiring at the end of the season, and when probed about talks with the Magpies in a recent press conference, he revealed there had been initial contact made between the two parties.
However, speaking on Thursday (11/04), Rafa gave a one word answer to the press which will surely have nearly every Newcastle fan tearing their hair out.
What did he say?
Once again the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss was asked about whether he would be staying at St James’ Park and whether there had been any progress on discussion.
Unsurprisingly, he was once again coy with his response, telling the Chronicle (13:44): “It is exactly the same situation as before. We are just waiting. I just want to focus on the game & getting three points.”
While that might not give much away, when asked whether this meant he had not heard back from the club to progress on contract talks, he simply said: “Yes.”
Alarm bells will be ringing among the Toon Army at that admission, with getting Benitez penned to a new long term deal their number one priority right now.
Why should Newcastle fans be worried?
With the revelation that the Magpies have not tried to progress contract negotiations, the question on every Newcastle supporter’s lips right now will be “Why on earth not?”
Surely the club chiefs can see that keeping Benitez at the club is crucial for their future and losing him is going to set them back significantly, so keeping on open dialogue between themselves and the manager would surely be the most sensible approach.
Instead they are leaving him in the dark – which is hardly going to convince him to stay – and the Toon Army are surely tearing their hair out at their club’s inability to do the simplest of things.