Newcastle United secured promotion back to the Premier League last night.
Kevin Keegan during his time as Newcastle manager
Ex-Magpies boss Kevin Keegan spoke exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, and discussed his former side’s Championship campaign thus far, commenting on the task ahead of Rafa Benitez after he guided his side to automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Newcastle have performed well on the whole this term, but the intense nature and unpredictability of the Championship is such that any side can be beaten at any time.
The Toon have by no means had things their own way, however. They have had to endure numerous spells throughout the season when they have been really up against it, but they eventually proved their class by wrapping up promotion to the top flight with two games still remaining.
And Keegan, who spent two separate spells in charge at St James’ Park, told the Liverpool Echo how next season will be the time where Benitez really earns his corn:
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez
“They wanted him to stay and he stayed. They wanted him to bring them back up. I think he’s then got his biggest job without doubt. It’s not that difficult to get Newcastle out of the Championship with the finance they’ve got, the players they’ve kept, the fans they’ve got. But it’s a bit more difficult when you get in with the big boys who are a few steps ahead of you. Newcastle is a big club like Liverpool but it hasn’t won anything for a long time.”
The Spaniard does have plenty of experience in coaching at the very highest level, so he will surely be more than capable of guiding his Newcastle side to a successful campaign in the Premier League next term.
He will have to strengthen his options accordingly, however, and address certain areas of his squad which are in need of attention.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez
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