PREMIER LEAGUE
Official: Benítez presented as Newcastle manager
The Madrileño signs a three-year contract. His coaching team: Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Míguel Moreno and Antonio Gómez Pérez join him.
Rafael Benítez was unveiled as Newcastle on Friday afternoon, the madrileño replaces Steve McClaren. The Tynesie club officially announced the news that Benítez has signed a three-year contract and will be joined by his usual technical team: Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Míguel Moreno, and Antonio Gómez Pérez, sus colaboradores habituales.
"I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the Premier League. t will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the Club and the fans", were Benítez's first words as Newcastle manager.
"All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why I'm going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task. Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can't be happier", the Spaniard continued, ending with an unusual and quite atypical rally cry: ¡C'mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!".
This morning, Newcastle announced that they had severed ties with Steve McClaren, who moves on after the team's poor run of results - which has seen them win just game from the last five, leaving them second from bottom in the table. Managing Director Lee Charnley said: "I would like to thank Steve personally for his services to Newcastle United. He is a man of integrity and class and he has conducted himself with great dignity during this difficult time. Steve worked tirelessly to try and bring success to Newcastle United. He has the utmost respect of all the players, staff and management and he leaves with our very best wishes and sincere thanks".