Both Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira have both reportedly ruled themselves out of the running to become Newcastle United’s next manager.
According to a report from The Sun, both Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira have been put off considering becoming Newcastle’s next manager after speaking to Rafa Benitez about his experiences at St James’ Park.
It is more than a fortnight since the Magpies announced that Benitez would be leaving the club when his contract expired, and yet, the Toon Army appear to still be awaiting a sign that suggests that an appointment may be edging closer.
A large number of names have been linked with the post, including both Arteta and Vieira, with The Sun reporting that both men were on Newcastle’s wishlist.
However, The Sun also suggests that the Manchester City assistant ruled himself out of the running on Tuesday and Vieira took a similar decision earlier in the month – with the Magpies’ former boss apparently playing a key role in their reluctance to remain in the race.
The report notes that both men reached out to Benitez to find out about the job, and what he told them has put the pair off.
The Newcastle job is the kind of role that should be too good to turn down for most managers or those looking to get their break as a number one, as Arteta currently appears to be.
And yet, the Magpies appear to be struggling to make the kind of appointment that the fans will be content with. Benitez was an incredibly popular figure, so it was always going to be tough for his successor. But with candidates now reportedly ruling themselves out, the club’s next manager may have even more to prove.
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