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Rafa Benitez press conference – Confirms more contract talks and “Things have moved forward”

5 years ago
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Rafa Benitez has met the media on Friday afternoon.

The Newcastle boss speaking to journalists ahead of Saturday night’s game against Liverpool.

An interesting fixture to round off the season at home.

As indeed it could well be an interesting last home game ever for Rafa Benitez at St James Park…

Nothing concrete yet but the good news is that Rafa has confirmed that more talks have taken place with the club and ‘things have moved forward.’

How far they have moved forward is another question but certainly this is sounding more positive than the manager repeating no play to him forwarding his conditions (on signing a new contract) to Mike Ashley in late March and not hearing anything back, as has repeatedly been the case in recent weeks.

As for the football, the message is simple.

Rafa and his team will be doing their best against Liverpool.

Fact.

Rafa Benitez pre-Liverpool press conference and predictably asked if any progress on a new contract:

“We have had further talks this week.

“They have been positive and things have moved forward.

“We have time and we will let you know when we have news.

“I know that the fans are trying to convince me to stay and they are going down the emotional way.

“I appreciate that and I am happy in this city.

“The point is (though, that) we want to compete.

“The fans want the best for the team like us.

As for Saturday night…

“I have friends in the Liverpool camp and also friends in the Man City camp…

“I am friends with (Pep) Guardiola and (Jurgen) Klopp.

“I am sure if Jurgen Klopp was in the same position he would do the same (as myself and my players), we are all professionals and playing in front of fans in our stadium.

“We must do our best.”

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