Really? I would rank Benitez in the Top 10 Managers in World Football. Would be interested to read who you rank above him. Even his Interim appointment at Chelsea ended up with the London club bagging the Europa League, didn't it?
He may have been once upon time. Not in modern football though. He has done well in his career but he was a disaster at Real, a disaster at Inter and has been average here. Even in England alone I'd rather have Pep, Poch, Jose, Wenger, Conte, Klopp, Koeman Then you have the likes of Bielsa, Gallardo, Simeone, Tuchel, Ancelloti, Zidane amongst many others abroad. Rafa has a better history than most of those in terms of trophies but I just think he's been left behind and is quite negative. I can't imagine a club of arsenals level ever going to Benitez again - to be honest it would be massively regressive in my eyes. I don't hold him in the esteem many of ours do though.
Agree with a lot you are saying ...particularly with respect to a top 6 side manager wants/needs.. That said ...Rafa in comparison to the chancers we have had in charge for the past 13 odd years (Chris Hughton excepted) He is so far ahead of them, not just tactically but with his work for the club in its entirety (Youth/facilities/medical/local community etc) I am so pleased he is with us. Give him another 4-5 years and he will put this club on a very strong, long term and sound footing. ....exactly what we need.
Yeah I agree with this. If he can keep our heads above water then the work he will do will serve us well. Of course there is Ko reason you can't do that with a more modern younger manager etc. However I'm not a fan of constant change. He isn't doing a bad job afterall, just middle of the road. He may improve too.
Just read this too... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...ash-deal-mike-ashley-remain-newcastle-united/