Guillem Balague issues warning about Rafa Benitez future at Newcastle

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The respected Spanish journalist, who wrote a book about Rafa Benitez in 2006, is unsure whether the coach will sign a new contract at Newcastle United.

Many Newcastle United fans will no doubt be feeling anxious about the current state of affairs at the club.

The Magpies made a poor start to the 2018/19 Premier League campaign, although two wins on the trot have eased relegation worries.

However, manager Rafa Benitez suggested during Friday’s press conference – as quoted by the Daily Mail – that Newcastle may struggle to recruit quality players in January.

Although the Spaniard suggested that a lack of viable options was the issue rather than money, the outcome remains the same – a squad that needs major strengthening may have to make do with what they have.

Now, esteemed Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has given his thoughts on Benitez’s Newcastle tenure by suggesting that the club needs to show commitment and ambition rather than simply secure Premier League survival – or Benitez may not renew his contract at the end of the season.

Balague knows Benitez well and has even written a book about the coach – a chronicle of some of his time at Liverpool entitled “A Season On The Brink”, released the year after their memorable Champions League triumph – so Newcastle fans should take heed of his thoughts.

In his latest BBC Sport column, Balague wrote: “Benitez’s contract comes to an end next summer. As it stands he has a renewal offer on the table, but to be signed the club have to show enough commitment with a project that should be around improving facilities and results, not just survival.

“Should Salomon Rondon – on a year’s loan from West Brom – continue to score for his new club then he may will dig them out of a hole, guarantee survival and once again (Mike) Ashley will believe his approach has been vindicated. With Gayle having gone in the opposite direction to the Baggies, the two clubs should be able to sit down and work out a deal to suit all parties.

“But it will probably take considerably more than that to ensure Benitez will be committing his future to the city that has adopted him as one of their own – and that is a real shame.”