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Rafa Benitez says he’s had more meetings in one week in China than three Newcastle years
Former Newcastle United Rafa Benitez has to share his experiences of his first week in China with Dalian Yifang.
The Spaniard finally parted company with the Magpies this summer after failing to agree a new contract with Mike Ashley and took a thinly-veiled dig at him online.
He : “As they say in Spanish – “otro mundo”, it’s another world. When people show you respect and affection life is much happier. I have had more meetings with the Chairman, the President and the General Manager this week, than I had in three years at Newcastle.
“They haven’t just been work meetings, rather signs of respect in which we have been able to appreciate the differences and similarities in our cultures.”
Benitez did everything he could to keep Newcastle competitive in the Premier League, but it is likely to be a welcome relief for him to be at a club where he isn’t battling against the tide.
Of course, the Chinese Super League is still developing, but Benitez is likely to get respect and supportive owners there, which is far more than can be said for Newcastle.
His words just show the disconnect at St James’ Park right now – not that the Magpies faithful need reminding as they head into pre-season with no permanent manager, no signings and no plan of action.