Benitez is in the final months of his Newcastle contract.
Christian Atsu has told the Guardian that it is important Newcastle United retain the services of manager Rafa Benitez beyond the summer when his current contract is set to expire.
Doubts are beginning to grow over Benitez’s future at the club, with fans and seemingly players alike desperate to keep the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager at St. James’ Park.
Owner Mike Ashley has continually frustrated Benitez in the transfer market but did fund a club-record move to sign Miguel Almiron from MLS side Atlanta United in the January transfer window.
Atsu spoke of the importance of keeping Benitez and with his £77,000-a-week contract (Express) set to expire in the summer, he will need to be offered a new deal to adhere with Atsu’s wishes.
“It’s very important Rafa stays,” Atsu said. “Newcastle’s a big club and Rafa’s a great manager, one of the best in the world, one of the few to have won the Champions League.
“He’s great for this club, with him here, big players will come to Newcastle and we can win trophies.”
Since taking over at the end of the 2015-16 campaign, Benitez has seen his side regain promotion to the Premier League and finish 10th in his first full season in the top flight as manager of the Toon.
Currently, Newcastle are in the midst of a relegation dogfight and sit just one point above 18th-placed Southampton. They face a crucial clash against bottom of the table Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon on Tyneside.
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