Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes Newcastle United fans should take "hope" from Rafa Benitez's latest stance on his contract extension.
Benitez insisted he was still talking with managing director Lee Charnley about his contract extension but insists that it is too early to talk in-depth about when a deal will be signed.
Thompson believes Benitez has put up with some tricky circumstances at St James' Park, but when talking about why the Spaniard could stay on as boss beyond his current deal, the ex-Reds defender, speaking on Sky Sports' Debate programme, said: "There’s something about that football club that he must actually love, and listening to that (Benitez’s latest press conference), it’s a good thing for Newcastle fans as that’s the first time I’ve heard him talk and not cut anyone short by saying we haven’t discussed anything.
"He is saying that they have been talking and for them it sounds good, it gives you a little bit of hope if you’re a Newcastle fan.
"He's not had any help from Mike Ashley at all and he's had to sort of look around and get players on loan, it's just incredible."
Thompson has applauded the job Benitez has done since taking over in 2016.
The Toon boss guided Newcastle back to the Premier League at the first attempt and finished 10th last season.
And another respectable finish could be on the cards this year.
Thompson said: " Because of the financial situation at Newcastle , what he has done there is absolutely phenomenal, quite unbelievable, he has squeezed the last drops out of this football club all the time,
"This is Newcastle which is so demanding, and this guy Benitez is one of the best coaches in the world, not just Europe but in the world and people want him, for him to stay at Newcastle this long, I think fair play to you Rafa."
Fellow pundit Danny Mills also spoke of Benitez's work at United and said: "That must be quite wearing, having to wring every last ounce of energy out of it just to stay in it."
Rafa Benitez insists he is concentrating on talks with Newcastle United - despite recent job links
