London: Newcastle United have announced Rafael Benitez as their new manager, as the Spaniard takes over from Steve McClaren at St. James' Park.
Benitez signed a three-year contract to take over in the north-east, while Fabio Pecchia, Francisco de Miguel Moreno and Antonio Gomez Perez join him as his backroom staff.
The former Real Madrid coach will be tasked with saving the club from relegation to the Championship, after a disastrous Premier League campaign leaves them in serious danger of the drop. However, he has a clause in his contract that allows him to walkaway if the club doesn't stay in the Premier League for next season. Benitez also asked that his position become a manager of the club, rather than the head coach position Steve McLaren used to hold.
Earlier this season, Benitez was sacked from his post as Real Madrid manager after just half a season with the Royal club.
QNA
