Newcastle United put faith in Benitez to save them

LONDON: Newcastle United put their faith in Rafa Benitez on Friday, hoping the Spaniard will keep them in the Premier League after they won only six of 28 league games under the sacked Steve McClaren.

McClaren, who had been head coach for the last nine months, was dismissed only hours before the club announced Benitez was taking over on an initial three-year deal.

Media reports said there was also an opt-out clause if Newcastle are relegated this season.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Benitez, 55, has only 10 matches to save United, with the first of those games coming at league leaders Leicester City on Monday.

“It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans,” Benitez said of the task facing him. Newcastle are 19th in the 20-team league having won only six league games under McClaren, whose fate was sealed when Newcastle were beaten 3-1 at home by Bournemouth last weekend.