Newcastle United have named
former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss, Rafa Benitez, as manager after sacking
Steve McClaren on Friday.
The Spaniard has signed an
initial three-year deal with the Magpies and faces an immediate task of
avoiding relegation with 10 games left.
Newcastle have lost five of
their last six matches and are 19th on the table.
Benitez told Newcastle’s
official website:
“I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a
legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the
Premier League. It will be a challenge not
just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans. All of us must push together
in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why
I’m going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task. Personally, it means my return
to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can’t be happier.''