GOODISON PARKED
Loyal Rafa insists: I’m staying put
RAFA BENITEZ would reject any advance from former club Newcastle – even though they now have money to burn.
That is because the Everton boss has given his word to the Toffees that he is in it for the long haul at Goodison Park.
And after a positive start to life on the blue half of Merseyside, there is no reason for him to look to return to the North East.
Benitez, 61, spent three years in charge of the Magpies, so him being linked now they have rich owners was obvious.
But he said: “I was very clear from the beginning that I give my word to Everton Football Club and I am happy here. I tried to do that, to keep my word and do my best here, so no one was asking because they already knew.
“I said at the beginning that I didn’t like to talk too much about that but just to clarify that it is not an issue.
“The people at Newcastle knew already that I was just thinking about staying here and I told our people they didn’t have to worry about anything because I’m happy here, working as hard as I can here and I gave my word, so that is it.
“Again I will say I wish Newcastle
United fans all the best because my relationship with them is good and I hope it is good for ever.
“But I’m here, I’m happy and trying to do my best and I don’t like to talk about the other option because the reality is I will stay here.”
Benitez is enjoying life with Everton after a start which sees them fifth in the table, just two points off top spot, ahead of tomorrow’s clash with West Ham.
They have only lost one league game – against Aston Villa – and they certainly had chances to beat Leeds and Manchester United in their two drawn matches.
Benitez believes the mood around the training ground means they’ll continue to improve, too.
He said: “To be fair, at the beginning when you come to a new club and need to get to know the players, it could be difficult.
“But the attitude of the players, their commitment, was really good from day one.
“We can be ambitious and try to do better even when doing well. But my idea is one game at a time.
“If we continue with the same attitude – today was a great training session – and the same mentality, we will be better and compete against a lot of teams.”