Newcastle United have appointed former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez as manager after sacking Steve McClaren on Friday.
Benitez, 55, had been out of work after being sacked by Spanish giants Real Madrid in January and still has a house in the North West of England following his six years in charge of Liverpool.
He now faces the task of guiding Newcastle — currently one point behind 17th-placed Sunderland with a game in hand — clear of the relegation zone with 10 games of the season remaining.
Newcastle have lost five of their last six matches and are second from bottom of the Premier League after Saturday’s 3-1 loss at home to Bournemouth.
BREAKING: Rafa Benítez confirmed as Newcastle United manager https://t.co/O4V9NssMqz #NUFC pic.twitter.com/ywlGb16vTJ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 11, 2016
Benitez told Newcastle’s official website: “I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the Premier League.
“It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the club and the fans.
“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.
“C’mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!”
Newcastle confirmed that Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Miguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez Perez will join the Newcastle coaching team along with Ian Cathro and Simon Smith.
Benitez has been in talks with the club all week, with sources saying that he was Newcastle’s first choice to replace McClaren.
The Spaniard has been given a three-year contract that will reportedly contain a break clause if things do not work out for the rest of this season.
Newcastle’s next match is against Premier League leaders Leicester City on Monday.
