Rafa Benitez took the Newcastle job on the premise he would be handed control over all football-related activities at the club.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
The Chronicle held an exclusive interview with Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, and he detailed how the management structure at the club is one where everyone’s opinion is considered.
Benitez has been a revelation since he moved to Tyneside on March 11th, and despite the club’s relegation to the Championship, there is a renewed sense of optimism emanating from St James’ Park.
Many questioned whether the Spaniard would encounter the same obstacles as those in the Newcastle hot-seat before him in regards to input on transfers.
So far so good though, as Benitez has brought in six summer signings, and more importantly, they have been very much his own.
Rafael Benitez
Rafa opened up about his relationship with the Newcastle Managing Director Lee Charnley, explaining how it is important to have a structure where discussions are not dominated by one person, as quoted by The Chronicle:
“It’s not about a level of control. People, they don’t know me. I like to have a very good relationship with the secretary and the managing director. So I talk almost every day with Lee Charnley and we discuss about what we want to do.”
The former Liverpool and Valencia boss then went on to explain the structure at the club, and how every separate entity of the staffing network are included in the decision-making process:
Benitez has already made six summer signings
“I talk with the scouting department and I am in contact with them. I talk with my staff and I am in contact with them. I like to share my opinions and receive the opinions of the others. Then in the end we will have everything clear between me and Lee and the communication is good.”
There seems to have been a clear and concerted effort at the club to avoid a repeat process of how things have worked in the past, with the likes of Steve McClaren, Chris Hughton and Alan Pardew having little input on footballing matters on Tyneside.
Newcastle fans will be hoping that the new found system will bear fruit on the pitch, and that they side return back to where they belong as quickly as possible.
Benitez made an instant impact at St James’ Park
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
