RAFAEL BENITEZ IS back in English football.
Relegation-threatened Newcastle United appointed Benitez on Friday afternoon, just hours after they sacked Steve McClaren and brought an end to his miserable tenure.
The Spaniard immediately rallied the Magpies fans and said: ”C’mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!”
Benitez joins on a three-year deal but his future at St James’s Park is likely to be closely tied to his ability to keep the club in the Premier League.
Newcastle are currently second from bottom, a point clear of safety, after winning just six league games out of 28 under McClaren.
Benitez said: “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.”
Benitez is joined by Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez on his coaching team alongside Ian Cathro and Simon Smith.
Paul Simpson, Alessandro Schoenmaker and Steve Black have parted company with the club, Newcastle confirmed in a statement.
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