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Rafa Benitez knocks open top bus on the head and leaves it for Sunderland & Middlesbrough

7 years ago
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Rafa Benitez has been quizzed on what celebrations he wants if Newcastle United are promoted.

The United boss replied by saying that he will ‘enjoy’ the moment and then start planning for the Premier League!

Asked whether a ‘big celebration’ is planned, Rafa Benitez has ruled out a civic reception or open top bus parade if Newcastle complete the job.

The City Council having approached the club but the Manager politely making clear he just wants to get on with the job in hand, according to the club’s official media partner, The Mirror.

He clearly will be celebrating the moment if/when it happens and no doubt the fans will be taking full advantage of a full Sunday of celebrations on the final day of the season, with the EFL’s excellent idea of 12 noon kick-offs for all Championship clubs.

The best bit about Rafa Benitez is that I think it is pretty transparent that he doesn’t say these things just to play to the crowd, to just say things that people want to hear.

His approach is just very pragmatic and shows the benefit of somebody who has done everything from winning the Champions League and La Liga, to getting promoted from the Spanish second tier a couple of times.

Having been there, seen it, done it, he just wants to focus on the next step of the journey, which is almost certainly going to be more difficult than the first stage of getting out of this tricky Championship (see the stats HERE!).

It is fitting that in a week when Newcastle should finally clinch promotion, a derby also takes place between easily the two worst teams in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough meeting Sunderland on Wednesday in what must be one of the most miserable derby occasions ever, the pair of them cut off from safety and going through the final death throes of relegation.

Maybe the ‘winner’ can take advantage of the open top bus option and parade as this season’s north east top dog…

Rafa Benitez speaking to The Mirror:

“I don’t know what we mean by a big celebration?

“I am sure everyone will be so pleased and so happy because in the last five or six years, there are not many teams who have gone down and straight back up.

“We have to be pleased if we can achieve that. The main thing will be to enjoy, I don’t know how much, but to enjoy.

“Then after that, plan for the future.

“You have to celebrate but maybe you don’t need to do a parade in the city.

“You can celebrate though and then look to the future.

“I was promoted with Extremadura, and I was fine before.

“But when I was promoted with Tenerife, it went to the last game of the season.

“You have to be calm and do the right things – so I have experience of these situations.”

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