The former Magpies striker believes that Benitez’s summer renovations have revitalised the club.
Former Newcastle United striker Les Ferdinand has told Chronicle Live that Rafa Benitez has saved the club from depression by revamping the playing squad in the summer transfer window.
The Magpies were in disarray when Benitez was appointed as manager in March, not only seemingly doomed to relegation but with rifts within the playing squad, disillusioned fans and crisis on and off the field.
Though he could not save the club from the drop, the Spaniard transformed the mood around St. James’ Park in the final weeks of last season, leading to a huge upturn in form.
In the summer the former Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid manager brought in no fewer than 12 new first-team players, also allowing 21 players to leave Tyneside either permanently or on loan.
Ferdinand, who scored 50 goals in 84 games for the Magpies in a two-year spell in the mid-1990s, has hailed Benitez’s changes and the way he has lifted the club out of its malaise.
The former striker told Chronicle Live: “I know from when we got relegated at QPR a couple of years ago just how tough this division is, and when people get relegated, teams get relegated, there’s a depression that comes over the place.
“Not just from the supporters but from the players, from the management. You have to deal with all of that so, sometimes if relegation is expected, you can bounce back quickly.
“But sometimes you have to ship some people out and bring new people and fresh blood in. I think Rafa’s done a fantastic job of doing that.”
Newcastle have won nine of their 13 games in all competitions so far this season and sit third in the Championship table at the international break.
They return to action on Saturday with a home clash against Brentford.
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