‘Special’ - Rafa Benitez spotted at Newcastle United after making big Liverpool claim
Rafa Benitez returned to Newcastle United on Thursday for the big Champions League fixtuere.
Rafa Benitez was in attendance for Newcastle United’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Thursday.
The Spaniard has been out of work since being sacked by Celta Vigo over 18 months ago. Benitez remains popular at St James’ Park for his three-and-a-half-year spell as manager from 2016 to 2019.
In the latter days of Mike Ashley’s turbulent reign as owner, the 65-year-old steadied the ship, securing Premier League promotion and keeping the club afloat despite a limited budget.
Rafa Benitez spotted at Newcastle United
Ultimately, the lack of investment frustrated Benitez and he left in 2019. The Saudi-backed takeover renewed hope on Tyneside and, at the time, many fans called for his return.
Eddie Howe took the reins and the rest is history, with Newcastle regularly competing for Champions League football and domestic cups. Benitez has maintained an arm’s length distance from the Magpies since leaving but was back at St James’ Park in midweek.
TV cameras captured the former Toon boss in the crowd and he posted a message on Instagram yesterday. Benitez wrote: “Visiting old friend in Newcastle. Special place, special people.”
Alexander Isak comments
Speaking to TNT Sports earlier in the week, Benitez claimed people he has spoken to at Newcastle are gutted about Alexander Isak’s exit. The same cannot be said for the supporters, who view the Swede as persona non grata on Tyneside.
“I will tell you a secret, talking to Newcastle United people, they are missing him,” he said. “He was doing so well, he was adapting to the style, to the game. He is clever with his movements.
“He can play in the middle or he can go wide. He runs in behind and he can dribble. So I think it will be a great signing for Liverpool and a big miss for Newcastle United.”
Rafa Benitez on time at Newcastle United
Speaking in 2022, Benitez opened up about working for Newcastle under Ashley. He said: “We were not investing. So to achieve more, in that context, you have to analyse that… we couldn’t achieve much more.
“Now with more resources, more options (under PIF) and everybody supporting you, I think you have more chances to reach the real level. Because you have a city behind a team and the way that they (Newcastle fans) support the team is massive.
“So I think now they have a chance to get better and better. (During) My time there (at Newcastle United), I had an offer (to go elsewhere), well I had some offers but especially one…and I decided to stay.”