Edging closer
Rafa feeling positive about his United future
NEWCASTLE United chiefs are set to meet Rafa Benitez’s representatives next week to address his contract situation.
The Magpies face West Bromwich Albion today knowing their Premier League place for next season is already guaranteed – while the Baggies will be relegated if they fail to win at St James’ Park.
After a recent run of good results, United are looking to secure a top-10 finish – but attention has also turned to the matter of Benitez’s future.
The Spaniard’s deal runs out at the end of next season and the club are keen to extend his contract.
With owner Mike Ashley opting not to get involved, ex-Real Madrid boss Benitez said his representatives will meet managing director Lee Charnley.
Benitez insists his focus remains on the Baggies but also addressed speculation around his future.
He said: “This is an opportunity to say now, because a lot of people are asking me the same question, we’ve had conversations and will have more next week.
“My representatives are talking to Lee Charnley next week. I won’t concentrate on that, I want to concentrate on the game and football.
“We’ll talk next week again, it’ll be part of the conversation next week and I’m telling you now because a lot of people want to know. We will have another meeting and see how it is going.”
Benitez is keen to continue his work at United and wants the club to progress both on the pitch and off it.
By avoiding the drop, United have guaranteed themselves a share of the television rights bonanza ahead of what will be a busy summer.
Newcastle could finish the season in the top half, an achievement which would far surpass the club’s primary objective for the season – surviving in the top flight.
By contrast, West Brom will be consigned to the Championship if they don’t win today, despite the best efforts of caretaker Darren Moore. And Benitez has said if the West Midlands club’s relegation is confirmed today, it will not be down to his players’ responsibility.
He said: “We don’t relegate any-
We have to do our jobs and get three points. I’m sure they will try to do the same, it’s just the situation they’re in Rafa Benitez
one, when you look at the league table it always depends on how many points you’ve got. “We have to do our jobs and get three points. “I’m sure they will try to do the same, it’s just the situation they’re in. We must try to what we need to do.” A 1-0 defeat against Everton on Monday couldn’t dampen the mood for most Newcastle fans. But Benitez wants his players to move on quickly, adding: “Because we’re doing so well, people expected us to go to Everton and win easily – despite the money they’ve spent. I said before it wouldn’t be like that and it would be a tough game. “It was tough, they had one chance and scored, and won. “For us, we have to continue to improve and keep working in the same way we have on the pitch all year, as well as off the pitch.” Today’s game is almost pressurefree for Newcastle and Benitez could make a few changes. The former Napoli and Liverpool boss said: “I think it’s important to understand that we have been on a good run and won a lot of games in a row. “We can change players.We’re safe and maybe we can change. “At the same time I would like to continue being consistent so I want the team to play well and win. Maybe we’ll change, maybe not. “It’s not a big issue for this game and what I’ve told some players is that they will play in the next few games, I want to give that chance to everybody.”