Marcelino reveals the reaction in Spain to Rafa Benitez's appointment at Newcastle

Rafa Benitez has already raised Newcastle United's profile in Spain, according to Marcelino.
Rafa BenitezRafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez

Benitez, sacked by Real Madrid in January, took charge of the relegation-threatened club last week.

And former Newcastle and Spain defender Marcelino, now a TV pundit, says Benitez’s appointment has lifted the club’s profile in his homeland.

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“First of all, not many people in Spain will understand what the Premier League is exactly like or what Newcastle means in the Premier League,” said Marcelino, whose career at St James’s Park was beset by injuries.

“Rafa knows the Premier League and the size of the club. I think it’s a top club for a manager.

“It’s a club that will appeal to many managers in the world. Why not him?

“The only problem will be the position in the table now.

“If he wants the job, it’s because he believes that he can do it.

“If he’s managing abroad, he takes a lot of attention from the media and the fans because he’s a big name in football.

“Obviously, people will now follow Newcastle because Rafa Benitez is here.”