Rafa Benitez's response when asked about his Newcastle future in wake of Villa disaster

Rafa Benitez says he won't consider his future until Newcastle United's fate is sealed.
Rafa BenitezRafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez

The club is back in the Premier League’s relegation zone after a disastrous weekend.

Benitez’s lacklustre side were held to a goalless draw by relegated Aston Villa, while Sunderland twice came from behind to beat Chelsea.

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And Sam Allardyce’s team can send Newcastle down on Wednesday night by beating Everton.

Benitez has a clause in his United contract allowing him to walk away from the job should the club be relegated to the Championship.

But the 56-year-old insists he remains focused on keeping 18th-placed Newcastle in the Premier League – and NOT his next move.

Asked about his future in the wake of the Villa Park defeat, Benitez said: “I still think we have a chance (of staying up), so I will continue with that idea in my head.”

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Sunderland, a point ahead of United and with a superior goal difference, only need to win one of their two remaining games to be certain of top-flight survival.

Their final match is away to Watford, who, like Everton, have nothing but pride to play for given that they are in a comfortable position.

Newcastle’s final fixture is against Tottenham Hotspur, and Benitez can only hope that the club has a final chance to shape its own destiny.

Benitez said: “We cannot change anything.

“The only thing I can do is prepare my team for their next game against Tottenham.”