Newcastle have announced Rafa Benitez as their new manager just a few hours after sacking Steve McClaren.
The Magpies have made the long anticipated change after days of speculation linking Benitez to the head job at Newcastle.
Benitez, who was sacked as Real Madrid manager at the start of the year, will be tasked with getting Newcastle out of the bottom three in his 10 remaining matches, although it is believed there is an opt-out option in his contract if they are relegated.
“It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans,” Benitez told the club’s official website.
“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.”
Newcastle have scored the fewest amount of league goals away from home in England’s top-four tiers this season (7).
For more stats on Newcastle, click here to visit their WhoScored team page
