Rafael Benitez’s departure was confirmed today (Picture: Getty)

Rafael Benitez was completely left in the dark on the day that his departure as Newcastle United boss was announced with the club failing to tell him that a statement was being released.

The Magpies announced Benitez’s exit in a brief statement on the club’s website on Monday morning.

Benitez joined Newcatle in March 2016 and stuck with the club through their relegation to the Championship, restoring their top flight status 12 months later with automatic promotion.

The Spaniard’s problems with owner Mike Ashley have been well publicised and the former Liverpool boss thought about quitting the club on a series of occasions due to broken promises over the club’s transfer budget.


Benitez was keen on staying at the club (Picture: Getty)

Nevertheless, after a meeting in London last month, Benitez expected a compromise to be reached after he was offered a one-year extension.



Benitez believed the club’s takeover would be completed by the end of the season but communication since then has been minimal.

And the Sun claim that Benitez was not told that his departure would be announced and was in fact waiting on another offer from the Magpies.

It means Newcastle’s squad return for pre-season next week with the distinct possibility of not having a manager in charge.

MORE: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes decision on Axel Tuanzebe’s Manchester United future