Benitez will walk away from Newcastle if they are relegated this season – report

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Rafa Benitez would walk away from Newcastle United if they were relegated from the Premier League this season, according to the Telegraph.

They report that Benitez and Mike Ashley remain at a stand-off over a longer-term contract which is creating a sense of uncertainty running through the club.

The fact that is remains to be seen who is to be the Magpies manager next season is reportedly affecting all areas of team affairs but relegation would make the issue clear in the minds of both men.

Benitez would apparently not want to stay if Newcastle went down and Ashley would want rid of him in any case, viewing him as a failure.

Benitez stuck with the club the last time they went down, in 2016, overseeing a return to the top flight at the first possible attempt and proving his loyalty to the fans who now adore him.

But he will not do the same again, presumably feeling that he is worthy of a top flight job given his reputation and having ultimately been unable to battle against Ashley’s underinvestment any longer.

The dual blow of relegation and Benitez leaving would create huge fault lines at St James’ Park once more, but the good news for the fans is that they should have enough to survive – just.