Boss hints at talks over a new deal

NEWCASTLE United manager Rafa Benitez maintains the focus needs to be on the football and not his future on Tyneside - but did suggest contract talks may soon get back underway.

When asked about his contract which runs out at the end of the season - Benitez was wary of discussing anything other than United’s fight for survival.

After hinting two or three games may be enough to secure survival, he was asked if he would then begin talking about his future.

He said: “I was talking with Lee Charnley. I think we have to concentrate on the games. Still, we have to win two or three games.

“It is not that we will talk when we reach that.

“It is easy for me to say that in every press conference when you ask that. It is not ‘this is the mark, then we will start talking.’

“It is just we have to do what we have to do now.

“We have to win games. I know from experience when you are doing well and people start talking too much it is when you make mistakes.

“In this case it is the same. We are doing well. We have to get these six or seven points we need. Then it will be easier.

“Even if you are distracted you will be safe. Now it is a risk but I understand you have to do it and fans will say ‘what is going on?’

“We have to stay calm and be sure the team will win games.”

Newcastle lie six points off the drop zone with just two of the top four to play, things looking a lot more positive than in December when Benitez claimed it would take a ‘miracle’ to avoid the Championship.

With four consecutive victories at home, and only one defeat in the last six games in the league, Benitez was asked if this was the miracle he was referring to.

He added: “We need to keep going. Last year when we go to the 40-points mark, or whatever, we lost four games in a row.

Everything can change in two weeks. This year, it seems, is similar to last season but still we have to win the points.”