The Magpies boss has worked wonders to have his side 15th in the Premier League at Christmas but he isn’t optimistic of their survival chances come May.
Rafael Benitez has issued a stark warning regarding Newcastle United’s hopes of surviving in the Premier League this season.
The Spaniard steered the Magpies to a 10th-placed finish last term, while they will be spending Christmas 15th in the standings, seven points clear of the bottom three.
However, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is looking to sell the club, the off-field uncertainty potentially hampering Benitez’s hopes of either having significant money to spend in the January transfer window or attracting top-quality players.
Speaking in the aftermath of the Tynesiders’ 0-0 draw with basement side Fulham, Benitez suggested that survival this time round may be even more difficult that in the 2017-18 campaign given many of the clubs around them have invested more heavily on recruitment.
“We have to be realistic and understand that we will be in the bottom half during the whole season,” the Independent quotes him as saying.
“For me, it is almost clear and if we can be better than three teams, it will be another miracle… if we do the same this year with teams spending even more money than last year, it will be a miracle.”
Benitez’s contract at St James’ Park expires at the end of the season, so the January transfer window could have a huge bearing not only on whether Newcastle stay up by way of suitable reinforcements, but also whether the veteran coach will opt to stay, depending on the backing provided by Ashley.
Newcastle’s festive program sees them travel to Premier League leaders – and Benitez’s former employers – Liverpool on Boxing Day, before a trip to Watford on Saturday 29 December and the visit of Manchester United on Wednesday 2 January.
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