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Exclusive Rafa Benítez interview in Saturday's anniversary programme
Written by Tom Easterby
Rafa Benítez is the official matchday programme’s cover star for Saturday’s historic Premier League clash with Leicester City – the game that marks the club’s 125th anniversary.
It will be a special day for the Magpies, with a host of plans in place at both St. James’ Park and around the city to help the club celebrate the milestone.
And current Newcastle boss Benítez, one of many decorated managers in the club’s history, adorns the front cover of this weekend’s anniversary edition of UNITED.
Inside Saturday’s issue, there is a ten-page interview with Benítez, who discusses the challenge of following the likes of Joe Harvey, Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson.
The Champions League-winning former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss also outlines what he believes it will take to replicate the glories of the past.
“The final word is the team winning on the pitch. That’s it. Then, to create a massive club means that you have to be successful for a while,” he told UNITED.
“You have to have a city and a lot of fans following the team, and you have to have a big stadium where you create a good atmosphere. I don’t see too many big clubs or top sides with a small stadium with not too many fans. I don’t see top sides with not too many fans following the team in the city, and I don’t see too many top sides without success.
“I think what Newcastle United has as a club is a city, the fans, the commitment and the atmosphere during the games. Now, what we have to be sure of is that the good times, when Newcastle were doing well, we have to try and replicate that, because we have the other things in place.”
Also in this weekend’s issue, there are feature interviews with the Magpies’ all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer and the popular former defender Nikos Dabizas, who also enjoyed a spell with the Foxes.
Meanwhile, club historian Paul Joannou reflects on the formation of Newcastle United 125 years ago and Michael Newberry is the latest youngster to be profiled in High Hopes.
To read all of this – and much more – pick up a copy of UNITED, which will be on sale around St. James’ Park and in the club store on Saturday, priced at just £3.
“I think what Newcastle United has as a club is a city, the fans, the commitment and the atmosphere during the games. Now, what we have to be sure of is that the good times, when Newcastle were doing well, we have to try and replicate that, because we have the other things in place.”