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Rafa Benitez could be sacked soon

By Durim Halimi

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United walks off the pitch at half time during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on October 6, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United walks off the pitch at half time during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on October 6, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Rafa Benitez is confident that he will not be sacked, but Newcastle United need results ASAP.

Rafa Benitez continues to believe that he is untouchable at Newcastle United, but that is far from the truth. The Spaniard carries a big reputation and a positive track record as a manager, but some people seem to forget that he has failed with major clubs before and, as a result, was sacked from his managerial duties at Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

With Newcastle being rock bottom in the Premier League basement, most supporters are blaming Mike Ashley’s reluctance to invest in the club, however, Benitez needs to be held accountable, too. Ashley controls the check book, but Benitez dictates tactics and lineups that directly impact matches.

Can’t Keep Hiding Behind Ashley

It is unfortunate and crystal clear that Mike Ashley is the worst owner of a football club and his lack of financial support for Benitez has placed a ceiling on the club’s success. However, Newcastle should be playing much better with this current roster.

The fact that they have not earned some positive results is worrisome and Benitez should be held accountable. Two 0-0 results being the best results of the season thus far is unacceptable, especially when one of those draws came against Cardiff City – a team Newcastle should have walked all over.

The most recent loss to Brighton at St. James’ Park only worsened an already toxic environment. Brighton got lucky with their goal as two deflections were needed to get past Martin Dubravka, but Newcastle had 27 shot attempts and failed to score a single goal. Benitez and his staff are in charge of training sessions and the lack of precision needs to be addressed.

This same roster managed to earn a top ten finish last season. This season, seeing how other teams have spent during the summer transfer window, Newcastle should finish between 12th and 15th in the table. The problem right now is not quality, but rather confidence and consistency. It seems as though Benitez is losing his influence in the locker room.

Next. 3 things we learned vs. Brighton. dark

The Spaniard needs to find a way to motivate his players to get that first victory of the season to generate much-needed confidence. A loss against Southampton next weekend would certainly place Benitez on the hot seat, regardless of how popular he is among supporters.