Soccer

Rafael Benítez is Newcastle United’s new manager

Spaniard confirmed on a three year deal and will take charge of the team against Leicester

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren has been replaced by Rafael Benitez. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA
Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren has been replaced by Rafael Benitez. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA
Fri Mar 11 2016 - 14:47

Rafael Benítez has been appointed as Newcastle United’s new manager, just hours after Steve McClaren’s sacking was confirmed.

Benítez, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager, arrived on Tyneside on Friday morning to complete negotiations with the club and has now been confirmed on a three-year deal.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans.

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“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. C’mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!”

The club also confirmed Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez will join existing coaches Ian Cathro and Simon Smith on the staff, with Paul Simpson, Alessandro Schoenmaker and Steve Black leaving with immediate effect.

Managing director Lee Charnley added: “I am very pleased to welcome Rafa Benitez to the club. In Rafa we have, without doubt, secured the services of one of Europe’s top managers.

“He has managed some of the most successful teams at the very highest level of the game and we are proud to now have him as our manager.

“Our sole focus now is to give our full support to Rafa, his coaching team and the players in order to secure our status in the Premier League.

“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Paul Simpson, Alessandro Schoenmaker and Steve Black for their service to the club.”

The Spaniard's most recent coaching job, at Real Madrid, ended unhappily in January after seven months. He was sacked and replaced by Zinedine Zidane, with the club third in La Liga. Madrid suffered a humiliating 4-0 home defeat by Barcelona on his watch.

Benítez won an FA Cup and Champions League during his time in charge of Liverpool.

Newcastle’s next match is on Monday, at the league leaders, Leicester City. That is followed by a derby at home to Sunderland a week on Sunday.

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