ANTONIO Rafa given a green light to secure his Tyneside future
RAFA BENITEZ has hinted he is ready to commit his future to Newcastle – if he gets the signings he wants and keeps the club in the Premier League.
Boss Benitez, who has
18 months left on his contract, has had preliminary talks with Toon owner Mike Ashley about a new deal.
But first Benitez is anxious to see his squad strengthened before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.
So far, Brazilian winger Kenedy – signed on loan from today’s FA Cup opponents Chelsea – has been the only new recruit this month. But ahead of the fourthround tie at Stamford Bridge, for which Kenedy,
21, is ineligible, former Blues boss Benitez was pressed on his own situation.
He said: “I don’t think this is the point now, before this game, to talk about whether I’ve been offered a new contract or not.
“My focus is just to be sure I’m ready for games and I still have another year after this, so it’s not an issue.
“I told Mike what I think about that. He knows my opinion and we don’t have to talk now. We had the conversation about players, he gave the green light and I need to see if everything is fine on the 31st.
“I don’t have any problem with my future. I’m really pleased here. I love the city and the fans and the potential of the club. We have to maximise that to have more chances to do well.
“I have to make sure we’re doing things the right way and if we have this common idea and we’re on the same page, then I’m not worried.
“But we have to be sure that we stay in the Premier League and the conversation will be easier.’’
Benitez expects a backlash from Antonio Conte’s Chelsea after their midweek Carabao Cup Semi-Final elimination by Arsenal.
The Spaniard said: “With what I know about them and what I know about Conte, they will put out a very strong team because, for them, it’s the main competition now.
“The fans would like to hear that we will go with the best team and we can play three games in a week and it’s not a problem.
“But you may have a player sent-off or you may have injuries and lose key players, so we have to manage this in the best way possible to be competitive.’’
Benitez believes champions Chelsea have found life tougher this season because of their involvement in the Champions League.
He added: “It’s very simple. Last season, they were only playing in the Premier League and the cups.
“As soon as you play in four competitions, you have to manage your squad and then you have more games and more problems.’’