RAFA’S GOT TO STAY IN TOON
Elliot begs Benitez to lead Premier League charge
RAFA BENITEZ has been told by his promotion winning squad: “Newcastle United needs you.”
Twelve months ago, it was the Toon Army’s support following relegation which convinced Benitez to stay. This time, it is his players who are leading the campaign for the Spaniard to lead them in the Premier League. Within minutes of Newcastle guaranteeing a top-two finish, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach cast doubt on his future by refusing to say whether he would remain beyond this season. Benitez was unhappy when Mike Ashley refused to back him in January’s transfer window. And there are fears from players and fans that he could walk if the owner does not give him what he wants this summer. The Toon chief will tell Ashley that the squad is illequipped to survive at the higher level and is looking for big investment for Newcastle to compete with the big boys.
Strong
Keeper Rob Elliot is adamant Benitez must stay. “He is very important to our future,” said the Republic of Ireland international, who came in from the cold for his first game of the season in the 4-1 win over Preston. “Mentally he has made us strong, which is what was needed after relegation. “It’s very hard to change your mindset but from the first day, he prepared us mentally, physically and made us into a team who were ready and focused for this league. “Hopefully he’s here for many years with us.” Elliot has witnessed a seismic change at St James’ Park since Benitez came in 13 months ago. Although the Benitez could not keep Newcastle up, Elliot believes his boss deserves credit for the job he has done. He added: “It’s been tough for him coming from Real Madrid to manage Newcastle in the Championship, where he’s expected to win the league and expected to go up without losing a game, but it doesn’t work out like that.
“He’s been brilliant and deserves every plaudit, keeping himself and the players calm.
“Being around the place, there is a much more positive atmosphere and the biggest thing is the connection between the fans, the players and the manager.
“He’s brought the passion and pride back. The fact that he stayed last year shows not only the type of person he is but the type of club we are too.
“After the final game against Tottenham last season (a 5-1 win), that was the start of the manager thinking, ‘Well, look at this place and look at what we can be’.
“We just need to continue that, because when we are all together and the club is moving in the right direction, the whole city can feel really special on nights like Monday.
“Hopefully he’s around for a long, long time and we can reach those heights again.”