We must keep Rafa as gaffer says ace Lascelles
JAMAAL Lascelles “can’t emphasise enough” how important Rafa Benitez is to Newcastle United’s future – and stresses that, if he was the club owner, he would do “anything” to convince the Spaniard to stay.
Benitez’s representatives remain in talks with managing director Lee Charnley about potentially extending the Spaniard’s contract, which has 12 months left to run.
Owner Mike Ashley released a statement on Sunday stressing that he “hopes” Benitez continues at Newcastle and claiming the Spaniard will have “every last penny the club generates” to spend this summer.
But Benitez wants to be reassured the club matches his ambition before committing his future to United.
In Lascelles’ opinion, Benitez has been the key behind the Magpies’ success over the last two years.
“I can’t emphasise enough how important he is. If I was the owner, I’d do anything I can to keep him happy and make sure he stays,” Lascelles said.
“Since he’s been here, everything has been positive: promotion and then the first season in the Premier League we’ve survived comfortably.
“He’s won titles and cups at every level, so you just hope we can keep him. We have to keep him.”
Lascelles admits that Benitez has also been crucial in his own development as a player.
“On the pitch I’ve improved a lot. Off the pitch I’ve improved as captain, too,” the 24-year-old added.
“It’s all down to him. I have a lot of one-on-ones with him, his door is always open, and that helps so much.”