Rafa Benitez has another dig at Newcastle owner Mike Ashley on blog post

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Rafa Benitez has directed another dig at Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley in a blog post on his personal website, after completing his first week as Dalian Yifang manager – and Toon fans have reacted.

Benitez agreed a big-money move to the Chinese Super League earlier this month after failing to agree new terms with Newcastle, despite becoming an iconic figure of the Toon over the past three years.

Indeed, the blame firmly lies with owner Ashley, according to fans. They feel his incompetence has scuppered the chances of a deal. Benitez said in a statement that he was offered an extension, but wanted a longer deal.

Now, Benitez has had a second dig at the Toon hierarchy, by claiming he has met with the Dalian Yifang board more in his first seven days as manager than he did in three years at St. James’ Park.

“I must say that I have had more meetings with the Chairman, the President and the General Manager this week, than I had in 3 years at Newcastle,” Benitez said. 

“They haven’t just been work meetings, rather signs of respect in which we have been able to appreciate the differences and similarities in our cultures. ”

Benitez’s second dig towards the Newcastle board shows just how much he cared about being manager of Newcastle United, and that will only hurt Toon fans more – with the knowledge that he wanted to stay.

Newcastle United fans reacted on Twitter to Benitez having another go at Ashley, and many were delighted to see the Spaniard getting some sort of revenge. Others reminisced about the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss.

https://twitter.com/robbrewis1/status/1148665832211439616

https://twitter.com/JasonHellyer2/status/1148734188851355650

https://twitter.com/agbnufc/status/1148666351311052805