Rafa rout sinks sorry Mauricio
said: “I want to apologise to our fans and to our families. It’s difficult to go back to see your kids, your wife, your girlfriend after that. We were terrible. This wasn’t the team that played the whole season, it was my worst day as a manager.
“I feel so bad, because we showed we didn’t care and that upsets and disappoints me.”
Benitez was afforded a 90-minute serenade from fans imploring him to stay.
The players also did their bit, but it is two planned meetings with managing director Lee Charnley and club owner Mike Ashley, who took his place in the directors’ box for the first time this year, that will decide whether the Spaniard stays or activates his relegation break clause.
He said: “It was emotional. It’s not easy to leave a club like this, and I think my heart is saying yes. It was a great atmosphere and I could really feel it. I was open to talk before this, and I’m even more open to talk this week. I’m flattered and really pleased.
“I’ll talk, I’ll analyse and try to do the best for me and the best for Newcastle United. If we go together it has to be the best for both of us.”
Owner and manager met for brief talks an hour or so after the finalwhistle, according to sources.
Only six times in the last 21 years have teams been relegated with the Toon tally of 37 points, two adrift of Sunderland, whose fans organised a fly past with a banner ‘Auf Wiedersehen Prem. Tyne to go’. Newcastle finished the last six games unbeaten, and the 13 points accumulated from Benitez’s 10-game reign would be more than enough to seal survival over a complete season. Georginio Wijnaldum found the corner of the net from a Mitrovic knockdown, before the striker made it 2-0 with a flying header. Though Erik Lamela pulled one back on the hour, Spurs were unable to Mitrovic’s dismissal.
Wijnaldum restored the two-goal lead from the spot after Moussa Sissoko went to ground theatrically under challenge from Jan Vertonghen, before substitute Rolando Aarons and Daryl Janmaat added late close-range goals.
“It was strange,” said Pochettino. “We’ve finished third and Newcastle have been relegated. But when I spoke to Rafa afterwards, he was the one who was sorry for me.”
NEWCASTLE (4-2-3-1): Sent off: TOTTENHAM (4-1-4-1): Booked:
exploit League.” Sunderland took the lead through Jack Rodwell in the first half. Watford equalised with a Sebastian Prodl header only for the Black Cats to regain the lead after 51 minutes through Jeremain Lens.
Watford secured the draw when skipper Troy Deeney scored from the spot after John O’Shea had been rightly penalised for dangerous play.
Sunderland’s late run of results had already ensured their safety but manager Sam Allardye said: “Next season, let’s get 12 points in the first six games, and not the last six,”
WATFORD (4-2-3-1):