I’m no miracle worker
BENITEZ IN CASH PLEA
RAFA BENITEZ has told Newcastle owner Mike Ashley not to expect miracles from him again next season.
In the past two years, Benitez has led the Magpies to promotion and Premier League safety.
Victory at Goodison Park tonight would see them leapfrog Everton into ninth place.
Benitez fears he will not be able to deliver another season like this one unless there is major investment in the squad.
“I cannot do miracles every year,” said Benitez who takes charge of his 100th Toon game tonight.
“If we finish in the top 10, it will be massive when you consider the resources we had.
Anxious
“If we had finished above 17th this season, it would have been a success.”
Benitez has 12 months left on his contract and the club are anxious to tie him down to a long-term deal.
But the former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach will not sign unless he is satisfied that Ashley shares his ambitions.
He has received no indication from the boardroom that he will have the funds he wants this summer.
He added: “I am a manager who wants to win and we have to change things if we want to improve.
“You have to have the tools to be sure that you can do your job. My objective is not to finish ninth, it is to win titles and cups. That is what I want to do.
“It’s not just survival or mid-table. I want to be sure we can fight for trophies.”