Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez vows to fire club back into Premier League at first attempt
Spaniard is adamant Toon can win promotion and even silverware in the top-flight
Posted Thursday, May 26, 2016 by Thesun.co.uk
RAFA BENITEZ has vowed to fire Newcastle back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
The Spaniard yesterday thrilled the Toon Army by confirming he will stay on as manager.
And Benitez is confident he will win promotion from the Championship next season — as he does not have to sell ANY of his stars.
The ex-Real Madrid boss has penned a new £15million three-year deal at St James' Park, having turned down some "big money offers" from other clubs.
Lee Charnley and Rafa Benitez shake hands as the Spaniard pens a new deal
Rafa Benitez has signed a new three-year contract at Newcastle
Rafa Benitez says he is staying at the club in a bid to win trophies
Benitez, 56, said: "I'm here because I'm convinced we can go up next season, stay for a long time and even win trophies.
"The main thing is that I have assurances we will have a strong team and a winning team.
"The fans have to know that I will build a strong team.
"If I am here it is because I am sure we can do it.
"I had some offers — big money. But I am happy here because I can see a project and a future, a big club, fantastic fans and a lot of support from my family.
Rafa Benitez replaced Steve McClaren as Toon manager in March
Rafa Benitez thanked fans for the support they have shown him
"You put everything together and I'm pleased to be here."
Benitez has been handed "day-to-day responsibility for all football-related matters."
He is keen to keep as many of his big-name players as possible, meaning the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend are no longer certain to leave.
Owner Mike Ashley has told him he does not have to cash in on any assets, despite the financial hit of relegation.
And Benitez revealed: "What I have is the assurance that if I don't want to sell any players I don't have to.
"We can keep all the players we want. Obviously I'm really pleased about that.
"I said before I was very happy with the players and the commitment of the players, so to keep these players if I want to keep them is massive because we have a good team.
Newcastle fans begged Rafa Benitez to stay amid fears he would leave
Toon fans show signs for the Spanish manager pleading with him to stay on
"We saw that in the last games. I think in the Championship we will be even stronger and if we can keep them it's a very good message for us.
"I have had conversations with players before and some players have told me they are quite happy because they can see the size of the club.
"They can see that next year could be a great year to do things well and get promoted.
"Then, they could stay a long time in the Premier League.
"If someone comes and approaches me, I will react.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has delegated the running of the club to Lee Charnley
Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley watch from the stands at St James' Park
"But at the moment we don't have to do anything because we do not have to sell."
Benitez, who will be the highest-paid manager in Championship history, will also have the biggest summer transfer kitty in the division.
During his negotiations with Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley, the ex-Liverpool and Chelsea chief made it clear he would walk if he was not guaranteed to have the strongest squad in the second tier.
Benitez said: "We can bring in players if we need them. How much we have, that is up to us.
"We will try to bring the best players possible and we will try to have a very strong squad."
Benitez, who had a relegation break clause written into the three-year deal he first signed in March, also admitted people power swayed his decision.
Rafa Benitez will take charge of Newcastle in the Championship next season
Rafa Benitez rallies his Newcastle stars
The Toon Army made an emotional public plea during Newcastle's final-day 5-1 win over Tottenham, despite the club's drop having been confirmed four days before.
And Benitez, who has won just three of his ten games in charge, said: "The love I could feel from the fans was a big influence in my decision to stay.
"We went three or four games without winning here and still the fans were supporting me.
"I remember talking with my staff and saying, ‘We are not winning, but still they are so good'. All these things together can make the difference and that is what they did.
"I want to repay them and I want to do my best for them."
Benitez refused to be drawn on whether his new deal includes any fresh break clauses allowing him to leave if the Toon do not go up or if he is wanted by a Premier League club.
He was also coy on the future of chief scout Graham Carr. But the veteran talent spotter, 71, is expected to stay for now, albeit with less influence, while Charnley will also retain his role.
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