RAFA’S LONG-TERM GOAL
MASSIVE DESIRE: Benitez NEWCASTLE boss Rafa Benitez can see himself following Premier League rival Roy Hodgson – and managing at the ripe old age of 70. Benitez, 57, says his family sometimes tell him he should stay at home.
But when he starts arranging plates and glasses into a 4-4-2 formation on the kitchen table, they know they cannot keep him from the game he loves. Ex-England boss Hodgson returned to club management in September with Crystal Palace, who today host Benitez’s Toon. And asked if he could still be in the dug-out at Hodgson’s age, Benitez said: “At the moment, I have to say, ‘Yes, obviously’.
“I like my job and the passion of football. You have managers doing the job for years because of the energy they have, the passion and the desire for winning. With the desire for winning I have, I cannot see a normal life for myself.
“My wife, especially, will say, ‘Haven’t you had enough? Stay here’. But at the same time, when you are at home and you are moving plates and glasses around the kitchen in 4-4-2, the family say, ‘Go!’
“The main thing is to have your health. If you are healthy you can continue and I am fine. Normally, I don’t drink and I don’t smoke.’’
Hodgson replaced Frank de Boer at Selhurst Park, who lasted only 77 days after losing the first four league games without scoring. And that stretched to a record-breaking seven before a 2-1 home win over champions Chelsea lifted the gloom.
Benitez said of Hodgson: “He’s done really well. The surprise was they were where they were.
“Look at players they have – Andros Townsend was one of our best players when he was here and they have Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke too.
“The value of these players is absolutely massive. For me, they can make the difference.’’
Benitez believes Newcastle can become be a greater force next season – if they can stay up.
The Spaniard said: “It will be a great achievement for any promoted team to stay up. We are improving and if we remain in the Premier League, we will be stronger next season, 100 per cent.’’
Crystal Palace v Newcastle,
Today, Sky Sports Main Event, 1.30pm