Ste McGovern
Rafael Benitez has revealed his ambition to win trophies after putting contract negotiations with Newcastle United on hold for the time being.
The Spanish manager was expected to sign a new long-term deal after the club signed Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United as requested by Benitez, but he has instead hit the pause button on talks over a new deal.
Benitez’s current contract runs out in June, and the Mirror report that Brendan Rodgers and David Wagner are candidates to take the job at St. James Park should he leave in the summer.
A lack of ambition and investment from Newcastle United’s hierarchy clearly has Benitez considering whether or not his future lies on Tyneside, and his latest comments suggest he wants to be a part of a resourceful project.
“I want to win every game, so of course, I still want to win trophies,” Benitez told the Times.
“I don’t like to play against any manager and not have the chance to compete, that is crucial.
“The main thing is the players, they can make the difference. But you have to be ambitious.”
Newcastle finished tenth in the Premier League last season under Benitez, but this season the side have been mired in a relegation battle.