Newcastle United added a world class manager two years ago today, announcing Rafa Benitez.
Two years ago, Newcastle United found themselves deep in the relegation battle. Steve McClaren had the Magpies sitting 19th on the table with only 24 points. They had the second-lowest goals for total and only six wins in 28 Premier League matches. On March 11, 2016, Newcastle United finally sacked McClaren. That same day, they made a massive hire: Rafael Benitez.
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Benitez was let go by Real Madrid two months earlier, ending a six-month tenure at the club. He arrived at Newcastle United with a difficult mission: keep the club from being relegated. Benitez would lose three of his first four matches in charge of the Magpies. After securing his first win over a month after arriving, his club would end the season on a six-match unbeaten streak. Despite being relegated, the season ended on a high note as Newcastle United humiliated Spurs 5-1 at St. James Park. The crowd begged the Spanish manager to stay and not abandon the club heading to the lower division.
He didn’t leave. Instead, he navigated Newcastle United to a league title in the Championship and automatic promotion. Arriving back in the Premier League, Benitez has been handcuffed by a lack of spending from owner Mike Ashley. There’s also been the potential sale to Amanda Stavely’s group, which fell through.
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For Toon Army, a lot has gone wrong over the last two years. Quality players have left, we’ve been relegated, and there’s Mike Ashley. Also, the play on the pitch has been inconsistent at best. But, there’s always been one thing we can be proud of. That is our beloved manager Rafa Benitez. He loves the supporters, but I’m not sure it’s possible to love them more than they love him. At any point in a match, you can hear his name being sung by the masses.
Hopefully, Rafa can lead the club to safety this season and will ink a long-term agreement at Tyneside. He’s a top class man and manager. With Rafa Benitez on the sideline, Newcastle United will always have a chance. Happy two-year anniversary Rafa, thanks for everything you’ve done for us.