Rafa Benitez stated that his heart is ‘telling him to stay’ at Newcastle United in the Championship next season but he admitted he will have to talk to the board about his future in the coming days.
Although the Spaniard was unable to keep the Magpies in the Premier League, he has become a popular figure at St. James’ Park in recent weeks with fans almost universally calling for him to remain at the club.
Speaking to BBC Sport after Newcastle’s 5-1 win over Tottenham: “I said before the game that I am really pleased with the fans, the staff, and people here.
“My heart is telling me yes (to stay), it is a great opportunity, city and club but my brain is saying to analyse what is going on.
“I am really open to talking and see what happens. I have been in football all this time you want to be sure people love you and if you work hard that they recognise that you are trying your best and I have this here.
“I knew that every day when I walk in the streets. Everyone is so positive and the atmosphere today doesn’t surprise me too much. They were supporting for 90 minutes, I knew it would be like this and that is why I am so open to keep on talking.”
Although Newcastle were relegated under Benitez’s management, the team has been much improved since his arrival, winning three and drawing four of their ten Premier League matches.
Newcastle have also been unbeaten in their last six games and had they appointed Benitez earlier, their chances of staying in the division may well have been greater.
Benitez, who started the campaign in charge of Real Madrid, signed a three- year deal with Newcastle in March but it has been widely reported that there is a break clause enabling him to walk away if the club got relegated.
Following a second Premier League relegation in seven years, there will no doubt be a major rebuilding job at the club over the next few months and it remains to be seen whether Benitez will be there to oversee it.
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