Rafa Benitez: These are the players that want to stay at Newcastle
RAFA BENITEZ is confident he can prevent a mass exodus of players if he stays on as Newcastle boss.
Posted Wednesday, May 18, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk
CONFIDENT: Rafa Benitez is confident that he can stop players leaving the Toon this summer
The Toon chief is still negotiating with managing director Lee Charnley having already been given certain assurances by owner Mike Ashley about the future direction of the club.
And despite relegation, Benitez believes he can persuade those players who remain part of his plans, to stick with him.
He said: "At the moment, I can't say too much because we are still talking but the idea is that the majority of the players would stay."
Aleksandar Mitrovic has already declared he wants to stay and Andros Townsend's father suggested his son is willing to give the Championship a crack despite forcing his way back into Roy Hodgson's England squad.
Ayoze Perez, courted by several clubs both in the Premier League and abroad, has now become the latest player to back the "Rafalution" at St James' Park.
"I want to be part of things," said Benitez' fellow Spaniard, who was on the bench for Sunday's stunning 5-1 win over Tottenham.
"It has been really good in these last few games and even though that wasn't enough, it is something to build on. The feeling we have together is really good.
"What has happened is disappointing but we just have to think about coming back now.
"All of us here are going to fi ght like never before to get back in the Premier League. That is our place."
It is Benitez who holds the key to the future of most players with Perez making it clear if he stays, the future can still be bright.
He said: "Sunday showed just what everyone thinks of Rafa Benitez. I couldn't believe what happened.
"After relegation, it would have been normal for everyone to be very down but what I saw from the fans was amazing and we have to use that.
"We have to be together and get back as soon as possible. Keeping the manager would be a big part of that. We all want it to happen."
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