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Rafa Benitez’s imminent departure from Newcastle United following the failure to reach an agreement for an extension to the Spaniard’s contract has been met with a mixture of disbelief and frustration from across the football world.
Benitez, who has been in charge for the past three seasons, has faced constant power struggles with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley regarding transfer funds and proper backing.
The club’s failure to secure Benitez to a new deal has yielded a mass of reaction, with many fans and commentators denouncing both Ashley’s commitment and position.
In a club statement, Newcastle said: “It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benitez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on June 30, 2019.
“We have worked hard to extend Rafa's contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been - and will not be - possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.”
Benitez took over the Newcastle in March 2016, but was unable to prevent the club’s imminent relegation to The Championship, despite finishing the season on a six-game unbeaten run. The former Valencia coach stuck with the club, making an immediate return to the Premier League after just one season in the second tier.
Newcastle’s statement continued: “We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved.
“We would also like to thank our supporters, players and staff for their patience during a period of uncertainty. The process to appoint a successor will now begin.”
The Magpies failure to secure Benitez’s future has now evidently left them in a state of flux, unprepared for the now unenviable task of finding a replacement for the much-adored manager.
As it stands, current Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta is the bookies’ favourite for the role. Sean Dyche, Roy Keane and Garry Monk have also been earmarked as potential replacements.
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