HERE WE GO Rafa sends message to buyers and says Toon are ready for big things
PROBABLE TEAMS A NEW ERA AT ST JAMES’ PARK’ TODAY, KICK-OFF 4PM
since we nearly won the league, which just shows how long these fans have had to wait for some success.
“I think Rafa has a real affinity with Newcastle.
“Because he coached at Liverpool, he sees a lot of
The Spanish boss has issued a powerful message to wouldbe investors – revealing that the Geordies can be transformed into a “top-six club with massive potential” by a new owner.
Last week, Mike Ashley admitted, yet again, that he wanted to sell up to let a “more popular owner” start afresh.
Benitez has sounded out the perfect sales pitch for Ashley – saying Newcastle can regain their status as regulars on the European stage with the right plans.
And he reckons a new chief at the helm means they will be mentioned “in the same breath” as his former clubs Liverpool, Inter, Napoli and Real Madrid.
Ashley, who is looking for a £325million sale, could not have asked for a more powerful advert than from his boss.
Asked if he understood why buyers would be interested in Newcastle, Benitez said: “Yes, 100 per cent. It is very clear it has the potential to be one of the top sides.
“Doing the right things at the right time, you have the potential to be in the top eight, top six, easily, and to go to Europe. I think so.
“I can see the great potential. You don’t have too many big cities around with massive clubs. It’s a great opportunity. If I am here, it’s because I can see similarities – the Newcastle fans are very similar. They love their club through thick and thin, and he respects that.
“He loves coaching, too. He’s not a manager who likes to wheel and deal and get players in and players out. He likes to work with what he has got, and if he can add some quality – maybe six or seven new players of top, top quality then it could be exciting times for Newcastle.
“You saw what Keegan did way, way back. If Rafa can have such an influence on the players he’s got, then just imagine what he could do with some really quality additions.
“He gets the area, he gets the fans – and it’s absolutely crucial that he stays.”