Rafa Benitez says Newcastle should be competing with Saturday's opponents Everton by bidding to break into the top six of the Premier League.
Everton spent £140million on new players in 2018 and have made no secret of their ambition to challenge higher in the table, even if they are currently 10th.
Benitez, meanwhile, has been frustrated by Newcastle’s apparent reluctance to fulfil their potential, with the sole aim each season being survival.
But still the Spaniard remains in hope of owner Mike Ashley granting him the freedom and resources to reshape the club —and it is the likes of Everton who he would be aiming to overhaul.
‘Looking at the bigger picture, I think we have the potential to be at the same level as Everton,’ said Benitez.
‘I don’t think it’s impossible to compete against some of the top six. But these positions from seventh to 10th, I think there are four or five big clubs who can be there, depending on whether you do things right.’
Benitez’s three-year anniversary at St James’ Park is next week but he is yet to sign an extension to the contract which expires this summer.
He said: ‘Always when you are happy in a place, it is not easy to leave. But at the same time, you want to compete, you want to do well and you want to improve. You want to be a better manager, winning something. We have to be sure we can do that.’
Meanwhile, Benitez says Sean Longstaff will have no long-term issues from the knee injury which has ended his campaign and expects him to be back well ahead of next season.
Crucially, the 21-year-old does not need an operation and Benitez said: ‘It is a serious injury but not so serious. It won’t be an issue for his future.
‘Talking with him, he is fine. Mentally he is strong enough. It happens in football and he said, “Now I have to start working”. His reaction has been positive. We knew right away it was quite serious but the good news is it’s not as bad as it could be.
‘For example, it is not as bad as Florian Lejeune’s and he was back playing within four months. With modern treatment techniques, he will be fine.’
Baocdklr
0
Everton are a bigger club than Newcastle. 9 league titles 5 FA Cups 1 European Cup winners cup And a sack full of charity shields. Plus,Everton are building a brand new 52,0000 + stadium next to the river mersey.
Everton aren't a top 6 club and never will be. You tried that by spending all that money. what happened you still struggle to stay top 10. The fan support for Everton is even more embarrassing. Newcastle beat you because our fans wanted it more. The support didn't waver even at 2 - 0 down. If Newcastle had an owner who would spend even half of what you have in the last 3 seasons Everton and Newcastle wouldn't compare.
pameprstuz
1
that's if one of the @big6 isn't having a great season
DallasDK
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You can, because either Arsenal or Chelsea will drop off top 6.
horse
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Newcastle are at the same level aren¿t they?
benladan
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Everton are a bigger club than Newcastle. 9 league titles 5 FA Cups 1 European Cup winners cup And a sack full of charity shields. Plus,Everton are building a brand new 52,0000 + stadium next to the river mersey.
heslnops
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Hopefully rafa stays
initiative
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With the right backing from the owner and Rafa allowed to do his thing and with the huge passionate fan base. Then I firmly believe that there is no reason at all why United cannot release the full potential. I actually could not think of a better manager than Rafa to help us release the huge potential. Rafa is switched on to the club and the areas people and fully understands what the area and people is about and gets them. Only Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson understood this in modern times. I hope and pray Rafa stays on after this season and hopefully a new owner comes along quickly to back Rafa to the hilt then you would see Newcastle United take off like a rocket. The place would explode. Here is wishing, praying and hoping
gathering
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Umm..Everton aren't a top six club?
marddia
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A club the size of Newcastle ought to have lofty ambitions but with Ashley in charge they will never achieve anything other than mediocrity.
Edoo87
1
you are drunken ser