Coming soon to a Premier League club near you… Rafa Benitez .
You can bet your bottom dollar on it.
The smoothie took to the BBC airwaves last week and reminded everyone that this is his spiritual home – never mind his family home, as it happens.
For now, Benitez says he is happy in China and that Dalian Yifang – providers of his £12million-a-year wage (after tax) – are happy with him.
Happy with him, despite a record of one win, one draw and five losses in his last seven matches.
He is lucky. When it comes to managers, Chinese club owners make their Premier League equivalents look like an eternally patient bunch.
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Benitez is Dalian Yifang’s 18th coach in 10 years.
After a bright start when he joined in July, the fortunes of Rafa’s mid-table team have tailed off quite dramatically.
They have three Chinese Super League fixtures left, but little to play for.
Benitez’s initial impact and career record ought to stand him in good stead.
But, if there was a Premier League job coming up and a hefty pay-off compromise to be reached in China, it would not be the greatest surprise to see him back here.
(Image: Getty Images)
As long as Mike Ashley owns it, Newcastle United will not be an option, obviously.
But anyway, while posts might come up at, say, West Ham, Arsenal or Southampton, the one at St James’ Park is unlikely to be vacated for some time.
Benitez is right when he says comparing seasons is not always fair.
And, although Steve Bruce has Newcastle a very welcome seven points better off than Rafa had them at this stage last season, let’s wait and see how it pans out over the whole piece.
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After all, while Bruce has had a tough fixture list so far, it was, arguably, a tougher start to the 2018/19 campaign for Benitez. But one thing looks certain – with each encouraging result, Bruce is looking a good fit for the job.
Indeed, with each horrible result, he did not look a bad fit, talking with a blunt honesty that must go down well with the fan base.
Attendances are down at St James’ Park, reflecting the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship – if any ever existed – between owner and the majority of supporters.
But those who do turn up at least have the prospect of being lifted from their seats. Benitez has left a good defensive legacy and he recruited Miguel Almiron.
(Image: REUTERS)
With the mercurial Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton added, Newcastle look a decent counter-attacking force.
If those three start scoring goals, they will be an even more decent force.
Bruce does pretty much what it says on the tin.
Kicks every ball, speaks plainly, is euphoric in victory, inconsolable in defeat.
And, judging by the Toon’s recent performances, he is a better coach than he is given credit for.
He is unlikely to ever be revered in the same way that Rafa was – and still is – on Tyneside.
That probably will not change – even if Benitez were to pitch up at, say, the London Stadium.
But he is making a good fist of a tough gig and a bit of local love would not go amiss.
