I’M STILL DRIVEN BY TROPHIES

RELEGATION-BATTLER Rafa Benitez insists he is still a trophy-winning manager – after putting contract talks at Newcastle United on hold.

The Spaniard postponed discussions on a new long-term deal at St James’ Park, determined to keep the focus on saving the Magpies’ season.

Benitez won the Champions League in 2005 with Liverpool (above), one of 11 major trophies as a boss. He said: “I want to win every game, so I still want to win trophies.

“I don’t like to play against any manager and not have the chance to compete, that is crucial.

“The main thing is players, they can make the difference. But you have to be ambitious.”

His current contract ends in June, and Benitez will come under pressure to make a quick decision about his future once the club’s Premier League fate is decided.

Newcastle want to plan for next season, and Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers and former Huddersfield coach David Wagner have been touted as potential successors.

Leicester will consider Benitez this summer with Claude Puel’s tenure uncertain.

However, Benitez is looking for solid reasons to stay beyond the summer, including being able to build his squad. He led Newcastle to promotion and then a top-10 finish, but they are in a tense relegation battle, with rock-bottom Huddersfield visiting tomorrow.