Rafa Benitez edges closer to the end of his current Newcastle United contract this week, with the pressure mounting on the powers-that-be to make the right call.
Magpies owner Mike Ashley was not present at the Amex Stadium and didn't hold any weekend dialogue with Benitez.
However, it is becoming abundantly clear that the unanimous verdict coming from fans, players and club staff is that Benitez MUST stay next season.
United's most influential corner of the dressing room - a group that contains Matt Ritchie, Jamaal Lascelles, Martin Dubravka, Paul Dummett and Ayoze Perez - have made it clear to those in charge that Benitez is the man to lead the charge next season.
Indeed, the squad's key players have already gone public to say they want Benitez to extend his deal.
The fans who travelled to the South Coast to cheer on United at the Amex Stadium also chanted: "Rafa Benitez we want you to stay" for long periods.
But on a weekend which has resulted in reports that contract talks have "stalled" and that French giants Paris St-Germain - who were beaten in the French Cup final against Rennes on Saturday night - and Marseille are monitoring Benitez's situation carefully, things are still uncertain.
Benitez was asked continuously about his future on Saturday night but swung the emphasis back to Lee Charnley and Ashley when he said: "It's not depending on me. I'm waiting."
Rafa Benitez's verdict on Newcastle United's game of two halves - and key penalty shouts
