The Magpies boss is planning ahead it seems.
Rafa Benitez has lofty ambitions for Newcastle United, left-back Achraf Lazaar explained in an interview with the Football League Paper this week (page 6).
Benitez took over a Magpies side on the way down from the Premier League but is already planning for life back in the top flight, according to Lazaar.
The Moroccan arrived at St. James’ Park from Serie A side Palermo in the summer, and insisted previously that he turned down Italian giants Fiorentina to do so (Tutto Mercato Web).
Discussing the deal that brought him to Newcastle three days before August’s deadline, Lazaar told the Football League Paper (page 6): “Rafa Benitez called me on the phone to explain his plans and to tell me that he saw me in his project of building up a winning team.
“He told me about very important things, concerning the current season in the Championship, but even the future in the Premier League, where he wants to have, in a very short time, a team capable of reaching the positions close to Europa League qualification.”
Lazaar has made one EFL Cup appearance for Newcastle so far, with Paul Dummett a regular on the left of defence this season.
Pre-season promotion favourites, the Magpies are now three points off the top two after drawing against Aston Villa on Saturday, with early leaders Norwich City their visitors on Tuesday.
Newcastle last appeared in Europe four seasons ago, having finished 12th and then fifth in their first two campaigns following promotion.
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