Newcastle United fans have been suffering as of late.
Amid takeover uncertainity (some of which was analysed by Luke Edwards on Twitter), they’ve had to suffer through Rafa Benitez’s exit, which was confirmed on the Newcastle website last Monday and, with the Spaniard now taking up a new job in China with Dalian Yifang, they were given one last farewell interview with the 59-year-old.
Exclusive interview: Rafa Benitez tells @GeorgeCaulkin why he had to leave Newcastle.
"We didn’t have trust, so I had to choose." https://t.co/OutMmvGOCv #NUFC
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) July 1, 2019
The man to deliver this final parting message from Benitez was The Times’ George Caulkin and the fantastic interview with the St. James’ Park hero is one that the Magpies might struggle to digest.
Indeed, the former Liverpool boss confirmed that he wanted to stay at the club he joined back in 2016 but did not feel as if those above him shared the same vision in how to take the Toon Army forward after two seasons back in the Premier League.
Instead, the supporters have been left with nothing but disappointment in that Ashley is still the owner and Benitez is no longer in the hot seat. While the managerial search continues with names such as Roberto Martinez (per the Sun) mentioned, Benitez’s exit has clearly sparked criticism from supporters, with some of them protesting against the Sports Direct mogul outside of the stadium.
You can read some Newcastle fans’ thoughts on the interview here:
Just sad and empty beyond belief that something so simple could have turned out this way. Ashley, Charnley and every single person associated with them both at the club NEED TO GO
— PY (@py_ong) 1 July 2019
As a Newcastle fan, that’s a gut-wrenching read.
— Gerry Walton (@Ger_Toon) 1 July 2019
Newcastle will never get another top class coach like Rafa in the next decade!
— Norbert Chima (@norbert_chima) 1 July 2019
Nobody can Trust Ashley ..
— David HUDDART (@DavidHUDDART1) 1 July 2019
Of course Rafa chose @GeorgeCaulkin to give his only interview to. Who else? Great scoop and great piece. Love the last line as well… #we‘llmeetagain
— Fergie (@TartoonArmy) 1 July 2019
To go to China. You having a laugh?
— Bobby Chariot (@Larkinesk) 1 July 2019
