Newcastle United: The Benitez Effect

Rafa Benitez has changed the culture since his arrival at Newcastle United.

The very second Rafael Benitez walked through the doors at St James’ Park, there was a strong feeling that the Spaniard could turn Newcastle United around. The club had been going nowhere for much of Mike Ashley’s time as owner. The Newcastle United owner, finally realised he could help bring success to the club.

Benitez couldn’t prevent Newcastle from being relegated from the Premier League, however he instilled confidence and belief in the players. Characteristics that had been missing for some time under previous managers. The form of Moussa Sissoko dramatically improved, a player who had been missing in a Newcastle United shirt for so long.

Benitez ensured Newcastle did not go down without a fight. The fact the Spaniard chose to stay at Newcastle, despite relegation shows the determination and character of the man. With a lot of fans saying “He just gets it”, Rafa has not only united the team but also the community. There are very few people who get the kind of ovation Benitez receives from the fans.

Newcastle United supporters have been divided under previous managers, the appointments of Alan Pardew and Steve McClaren were never well received. There were a number of reasons for that, one being both Pardew and McClaren were full of excuses. Excuses that Newcastle fans were sick of hearing each week. To some extent, Pardew and McClaren never really understood what the club means to the fans.

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Rafael Benitez instantly understood, he went out into the community and connected with the fans. Something that had not been seen since the days of Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan. When Rafael Benitez decided to stay at Newcastle, many people said he would not be able to do a good job in the Championship.

His lack of experience in the division was an important factor to those who doubted him. The Newcastle United manager is a perfectionist, very thorough and knows what is needed to win. Benitez bought well in the transfer window, adding the likes of Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle, Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden. All of whom, played an important role as Newcastle lifted the Championship.

Rafael Benitez does not get enough credit, for the job he has done at Newcastle. The club was on its knees when he arrived. A lack of unity, confidence, belief and quality – Benitez changed all that. He bought quality and got his players to believe in their ability.

Benitez encourages the team to socialise together to create more unity within the ranks. Last season the likes of Yoan Gouffran and Vurnon Anita, surprised a lot of supporters with their impressive performances. Gouffran especially, looked like a completely different player under the Spaniard.

With Premier League football returning to St James’ Park next season, Rafael Benitez has been working tirelessly on transfers. The Newcastle manager has already signed Christian Atsu, who was on loan at the club last season.

A fee in the region of £6M was enough to secure Atsu’s services, from Chelsea. The club are closing in on the loan signing of striker Tammy Abraham, also from Chelsea. Abraham, who was on loan at Bristol City last season, scored an impressive 26 goals in all competitions.

Rafael Benitez is keen to have all of his targets secured, by the time Newcastle United begin pre-season on July 3rd. Benitez is meticulous, he knows exactly what the club need to have a successful season in the Premier League. Rafa will show his ruthless side this summer, with a whole host of players expected to move on. Newcastle fans are far more relaxed with Benitez in charge, they back him to the hilt. The supporters trust Benitez’s judgement and know he will do what is right for the club.

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It is fantastic to see Newcastle are a club going places once more. After years of poor management and ownership, Newcastle were a club that had stalled. However, it appears owner Mike Ashley has finally got it right. There is a buzz in the city again, you can see the difference Rafael Benitez has made. Long may it continue, Benitez is the right man at the right time for Newcastle United. In a period where all seemed lost, the Spaniard has proved to be a shining light.