Rafa hits out at Real Madrid: “Here you can voice an opinion”
The former Real Madrid manager said he’s happy at Newcastle because people are treated “with respect.”
Rafa Benítez has steadied the ship at Newcastle United after an uncertain start to life back in England’s second tier, steering his side to third place in the Championship table after just 11 games.
Benítez, who started last season as manager of Real Madrid only to be unceremoniously sacked just after the New Year, had the opportunity to leave St. James’ Park this summer and avoid dropping into second division football but decided to stay and help take the Magpies back to the Premier League.
Benítez hits out at Real Madrid
The Spaniard has spoken out about his decision, launching a thinly-veiled jibe at his former employers at the Santiago Bernabéu. He said he stayed at Newcastle for the good relationship with the owners and the board, something that was lacking at Real Madrid.
“There are many good people at this club,” he said. “They needed an idea to follow and now they have an idea and a path,” he told the local Evening Chronicle newspaper.
Being able to voice an opinion is important, says Benítez
Another positive about the club for Benítez is the good atmosphere emanating around the club. “I think that everyone here is pretty happy, but at the same time they can voice their opinion,” he continued. “I’m not just talking about the board. I also ask them for advice.”
Benítez advises and takes advice at Newcastle, but at the end of the day the final decision is his. “I take decisions once I have all the information,” he said. “Things go well if we win, do things in the right way and treat people with respect.”