‘I was very close’ – Rafa Benitez drops Newcastle bombshell as he reveals Mike Ashley truth

Since Rafa Benitez reluctantly departed Newcastle United in 2019, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation. From battling relegation under Mike Ashley’s ownership to competing in two Carabao Cup finals in three seasons, pushing for Champions League qualification, and even discussing plans for a new stadium, the Magpies have come a long way.

Benitez, who recently opened up about his time at St. James’ Park, revealed he was “very close to staying” but felt compelled to leave due to the lack of investment and ambition under Ashley’s ownership. “It was not a proper project at the time because there was no intention to invest or improve things,” Benitez told ChronicleLive. “We couldn’t wait forever.”

Fast forward to 2021, and Newcastle’s fortunes changed dramatically with the arrival of the Saudi-led consortium. The takeover injected new life into the club, sparking a period of growth and ambition that has seen them rise from a “sleeping giant” to a genuine contender for silverware.

Benitez, who will miss Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool due to a UEFA conference in Madrid, will be watching from home as a neutral. Despite his deep connections to both clubs—having managed Newcastle and Liverpool—he refuses to pick a side, though he acknowledges the significance of the occasion for the Magpies.

“It’s massive for Newcastle,” Benitez said. “They’ve experienced years of suffering without progress, but now they’re growing and challenging for trophies. It’s amazing to see.

The fans deserve this moment, and I’m really pleased for them.” Benitez, who famously led Liverpool to an unforgettable Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 2005, knows all about the unpredictability of cup finals. While he hopes for an exciting match, he believes Newcastle’s best chance lies in starting strong.

“When they play with intensity from the first minute, they get results,” he noted. “If they score early, they usually win. Liverpool are tough opponents, but in a final, anything can happen.”

Benitez’s time at Newcastle was marked by resilience and a deep connection with the fans. Despite the challenges of working under Ashley, he led the club to a Championship title in 2017 and secured mid-table finishes in the Premier League before departing in 2019.

Reflecting on his tenure, Benitez expressed gratitude for the support he received from Geordies, particularly during the club’s stint in the second tier. “The fans appreciated when we decided to stay in the Championship,” he recalled. “It was a great experience. You could feel the passion of the fans and the city behind the team. That’s why we stayed and fought to get promoted.”

While Benitez’s departure was bittersweet, he takes pride in seeing several of his former players, such as Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar, and Jacob Murphy, still playing key roles at the club. “When you’ve been in a place where you felt so comfortable and see them doing well, it makes you really pleased,” he said.

The Spaniard’s legacy at Newcastle is one of laying the groundwork for the club’s resurgence, and he remains a beloved figure among fans.

As Newcastle prepare to face Liverpool at Wembley, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory would end a 70-year wait for major domestic silverware and cement Eddie Howe’s side as a force to be reckoned with.

For Benitez, the final is a testament to how far the club has come since his departure. “It’s been a sleeping giant for so long,” he said. “But now, with investment and ambition, they’re finally competing at the level the fans deserve.”

The contrast between the Ashley era and the current regime is stark. Under Ashley, even senior figures at the club openly admitted that cup competitions were not a priority.

Benitez, however, embraced the challenge of competing against the odds, driven by the unwavering support of the Geordie faithful. “The fans were incredible,” he said. “Their passion made it all worthwhile.”

As Newcastle fans from around the world send messages of support to Howe and his players through the ChronicleLive Cheer Map, the sense of unity and belief is palpable.

For a club that has endured decades of frustration, Sunday’s final represents more than just a chance to win a trophy—it’s an opportunity to announce their return to the pinnacle of English football. And while Benitez won’t be there in person, his words and legacy will undoubtedly resonate with those who remember the foundation he helped build.