Rafa Benitez spoke to BT Sport about his future, Newcastle’s win and the Ayoze Perez’s hat-trick as United closed in on safety.
The interview sparked fears among with what he has been offered by the club’s hierarchy but he told his written press conference that he is still waiting for the talks that will ultimately decide on whether he stays at St James’ Park or not.
Here is a full transcript of what he told BT:
Benitez on the win:
“I think the main thing was to win. I think we did quite well in the first-half. Even the second-half we had two or three clear chances, we have to give credit to them, they were pushing, doing really well so it is just a question of scoring the third goal and finish the game and we did it."
Newcastle United big match verdict: Super Ayoze Perez nets hat-trick as Magpies hit 40 point mark
Benitez on Perez
“ Newcastle United big match verdict: Super Ayoze Perez nets hat-trick as Magpies hit 40 point mark , he has to be consistent. He is capable to do this kind of thing, he has the quality to do it now he has to be more consistent and he will always be scoring more goals.”
How do you feel on a job done?
“It is nearly done but I am really proud for this group of players they have been working so hard. Normally we credit our fans away but also at home so that was massive for everyone to enjoy another three points and almost stay up.”
Are you making plans yet?
“My plan is to give some days off and then after we plan for the next game against Brighton.”
On contract talks:
“Today is just enjoy and in the week we will see, but my focus is what I have to do with the players and we have to be competing until the end. In an ideal world I want to compete for something, that is the main thing.”
Do you want more control on transfers?
“I don’t have any problem with that. From the beginning I can see the potential from the club - I can see what the fans are watching every single day, a full stadium (and) a city behind the team. Now you see our position in terms of where it is with transfers fees. We are not competing and we have compete.”
Newcastle United player ratings: Brilliant Ayoze Perez gets a perfect 10
