Former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard has said the boardroom at Newcastle United is a “mess” but that once it is sorted out there will be few questions about Rafael Benitez staying at the club.
The Magpies suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Reds on Saturday evening, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane grabbing the goals which saw Benitez and his men slip into 16th in the Premier League table, while Jurgen Klopp’s side were lifted into second, ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Crystal Palace.
Newcastle’s return to the Premier League has been a roller coaster on and off the field, with talks of a potential takeover dominating back pages across winter, while January was all about possible transfers, after a summer which saw reports claiming Benitez would be on his way out after being frustrated by the Magpies’ inability to secure his top targets.
Still at the club despite the media’s claims, Gerrard says it will remain that way for the foreseeable future, so long as the situation above him is rectified.
Speaking on BT Sports‘ coverage of the game, he said: “The only way he will stay is if it gets sorted upstairs.
“If Rafa is right in what he says, there needs to be a takeover, a change or whatever.
“If it happens I think he will stay because he’s got a genuine connection with the fans, he’s at a big club, he’s got a great support. But there’s a mess upstairs that needs to be sorted out.”
Benitez joined Newcastle in 2016 in a bid to prevent relegation, but despite slipping into the Championship, he remained to guide them back to the top flight as champions at the first time of asking.