Rafa Benítez refuses to rule out Newcastle United resignation

Rafa Benítez’ pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s tough fixture against free scoring Manchester City once again involved questions on lack of transfers and his future.

In his post match press conference on Saturday after being knocked out of the FA Cup fourth round at home to Watford, Benítez was asked whether this was a huge week for the club with the transfer window closing on Thursday and also whether he will leave transfers up to the clubs hierarchy, he simply stated “I will focus on the Man City game.”

This is no surprise as the Magpies manager has chosen not to comment on potential takeovers and transfers throughout January, and instead has called for unity at the club. However as deadline day looms, the Spaniard will be feeling extremely frustrated with the situation and you have to wonder how long a manager with the calibre of Benítez will stick around at a club with big off the field problems that are clearly affecting his role.

Benítez’ contract runs out at the end of the season and it is understood that a clause in his contract meaning he would have to pay the club a years salary if he resigned, expired at the start of the season and he could walk away now without having to pay any compensation.

When asked whether he would consider his future if the club does not bring in any of the players he wants before Thursday’s transfer deadline, Benítez responded with-

“We will wait until Thursday and see what happens.
Hopefully we can get three points against Manchester City and then everybody will be happy.
I am concentrating on getting the best from these players for these games.
I came here and I decided to stay in the Championship because I can see the potential of the club. I will try to do my best until the last minute.
Yes I can [still]see the potential. It doesn’t mean you reach the potential, but I can see the potential.
In the short term it will be difficult now because we only have a few days left [in the window]. But in the future, why not?
I decided to stay in the Championship so I could prove to everyone as I could see the potential and I have the belief we can do things well. We did it. We had the opportunity to go forwards, and we will see what happen.”

The 58-year-old clearly has a connection with the Newcastle supporters and it seems unlikely that he’d resign even if there are no signings come Friday morning. It would mean even bigger issues for the club and would certainly reduce their chances of survival. With the manager talking about the potential of the side, it’s likely he will choose to stay at St. James’ Park until at least the end of the season, by which time the ownership may have changed hands.

“It will be very difficult [for me]to go. No [I have not considered leaving yet], I am just focused on that, to prepare the game.”

A shock win against Pep Guardiola’s City side tonight could see the Magpies jump to as high as 14th in the league. A loss and results going against them could also see Benitez’ side drop into the relegation zone.