Benitez keen on staying, but squad needs to improve

LONDON: Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez was keen to stay at the Premier League side for “five or 10 years” provided he and the team’s ownership can work in unison to improve their squad.

Benitez arrived at St James’ Park in 2016 and led the team back to the Premier League and then ensured their top-flight survival last season.The 58-year-old is in discussions with owner Mike Ashley over a contract extension, but Benitez has voiced concerns regarding the club’s operations off the pitch.

“I’d like to stay here for five years or 10 years if it’s possible because I can see the potential, the fans and the city. Everybody (needs to be) pushing in the right direction,” Benitez was quoted as saying by Newcastle’s Chronicle Live.

“But we have to do things like I imagine has to be done in a football club.”Recruiting new players has been the main point of friction between Benitez and Ashley during the transfer windows.