We aren’t that close to the end of the season yet but speculation has already begun over the future of Rafael Benitez who currently holds a position at the helm of Newcastle United (via The Independent).
It’s no secret that the relationship between owner Mike Ashley and Benitez is fairly frosty since the former held Benitez ransom over transfer funds. And, yes, some of the financial woes may have been addressed via the signing of Miguel Almiron, who recently arrived at the club for a record fee of £20 million, but is it too little too late?
Who could possibly replace Benitez and pull off the minor miracle he’s succeeded in doing since arriving in 2016?
We explore two possible candidates (linked in the Times) and what they could bring to Tyneside…
Brendan Rodgers
Serial winner Brendan Rodgers has been making waves in Scotland since arriving back in 2016 and clearly has the appropriate credentials to get Newcastle playing football.
His style of fast, attacking, pass intensive football is slightly different to that of Benitez’s – who opts for a more defensive approach and utilises the counter-attack – but shouldn’t take too long to adapt to.
Celtic certainly managed it quick enough.
What’s more, Rodgers has succeeded on a comparatively small budget, bringing through youth and making prudent loan signings, which is presumably what he’d be working with if he took over at Newcastle.
A quality manager who deserves another shot in the Premier League.
TT Rating: A
David Wagner
Wagner sits firmly on the unemployed list after leaving Premier League relegation candidates Huddersfield Town earlier this year.
The American did an excellent job to secure the Terriers promotion a couple of seasons back, and though things haven’t quite worked out for him this season, there’s clear evidence that he has the ability to develop “smaller” teams and maximise their potential.
It’s difficult to suss out Wagner’s credentials as he’s only had the one experience in Premier League football, which clearly didn’t go to plan. But it was always going to be a tough task keeping Huddersfield in the league for more than one season and he did remarkably well to avoid relegation the first time around.
TT Rating: B-
TT Verdict:
For us, Brendan Rodgers would be the ideal candidate for Newcastle United should Benitez leave.
He’s not going to turn them into world beaters, by any means, but he’s certainly got the ability to change their fortunes if he’s given the appropriate resources.
There’s every chance that Mike Ashley may pump a little more money into the club as well if he arrives.
Now, there’s every chance Ashley could close up his purse strings again, which would be a disaster. But we have a feeling the fresh relationship with a new manager, especially one of Rodgers quality, could inspire ambition.
