rafael benitez manager
Christian Atsu has revealed the Newcastle United dressing room were left “heartbroken” when news filtered through that Rafa Benitez had walked away from Newcastle United. Benitez’s exit in 2019 rocked both the Toon Army and players after he was unable to agree a new plan to take Newcastle to the next level. In a candid interview with Chronicle Live, Atsu says he leaves United with no regrets and actually turned down the chance to quit his contract early after being asked by Steve Bruce last summer.
Christian Atsu said: “When I heard Newcastle wanted me and Rafa was the coach, I had no second thoughts. It was always a pleasure working with Rafa. Before I came here, I was told I will enjoy working with him and that was true . He is the best man I’ve ever worked with. My number one. Both tactically and player management, he is top.”
Atsu would not only go on to shine in the Sky Bet Championship but also play some of his best football in the Premier League – something he did 75 times for Newcastle. The 29-year-old then offered an insight to Benitez’s methods over his three years at the club.
Christian Atsu reflected: “I loved his training sessions because you will play football – always. He speaks with everyone. Those who play and who don’t play. He makes you feel part of the team and that’s why he is different. What a human he is.”
But things weren’t always plain sailing for Newcastle and Benitez and the club wobbled in the last few games of the season in 2016/17, needing to win all three to take the title and hope that Brighton & Hove Albion slipped up. The conversation is supposed to have moved on from Rafa but Atsu, who scored twice in the run-in to help deliver the trophy,
Christian Atsu said: “It was true we almost lost the title but Rafa never stop believing. I thought I was a believer until I met Rafa! He was encouraging us everyday and in every game. For me, I had to prove myself always because I wanted to sign for this great club and work under Rafa. I was happy to score in those important games. When we got promoted and finished 10th, we wanted to improve from there because we know what it means for the fans.”
However, after that 13th place position in 2019, talks with Benitez did not materialise in a contract and the Spaniard moved on. Atsu described the news within the squad when they heard the news.
Christian Atsu said: “We couldn’t believe he left because of the plans he has for the club and fans . I was very sad the way he left. There was a broken heart for everyone. Nothing is ever for sure in football.”
Going back to Atsu’s debut brings a smile as Newcastle ran riot at Loftus Road in a 6-0 win on a scorching night in West London.
Christian Atsu said: “That was a big win for us because it was away and scoring that amount of goals was huge for us. The fans were also unreal the first time I heard them.”
Weeks later, Atsu scored his first goal for the Magpies, away to Rotherham – again sending the travelling masses into ecstasy.
Christian Atsu said: “I was very happy that my first goal came quickly, because it really helped me to settle well with the squad. And scoring in front of Newcastle fans is always something special.”
Atsu’s fortunes in terms of selection changed a little under Steve Bruce. The ex-Chelsea man has no grudges against Bruce though
Christian Atsu said: “I was happy Steve Bruce gave me some game time and I enjoyed it He has his style it’s just that we couldn’t adjust quickly.”
It meant that Atsu’s final game for Newcastle came behind closed doors in a 1-0 win over Blackburn in the League Cup at St James’ Park.
Days later he was left out of the squad for the Premier League season.
Christian Atsu said: “I didn’t know that game was my final game. He (Bruce) gave me a choice to stay or move on loan and I chose to stay I never regretted my decision.”
Off the field, Atsu is a family man but never forgot his homeland, and in 2018 his charity helped build a school in Ghana. A fund raiser on Tyneside – with fans attending – helped get the construction over the line.
Christian Atsu said: “For the fundraising dinner, it was the journalists who did the most work! I thank them for that. The school is almost done and I will share some pics on my social very soon.”
