Rafael Benitez confident he will remain in charge at Newcastle despite takeover uncertainty

Rafa Benitez is confident he will still be Newcastle manager in a year's time whether or not a takeover happens

Rafael Benitez does not believe the uncertainty regarding ongoing talks over a proposed takeover at Newcastle casts doubt over his managerial position.

The club's owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale in October and after more than two months of negotiations financier Amanda Staveley submitted a formal takeover offer earlier this month.

It remains unclear whether Ms Staveley's PCP Capital Partners are the only credible bidder with the St James' Park faithful hopeful that the proposed takeover can lead to subsequent investment in the January transfer window.

Amanda Staveley is heading negotiations on behalf of PCP Capital Partners

Benitez, who has been left frustrated after the last two transfer windows, remains confident he will still be in charge in 12 months' time.

"I think so," Benitez said, when he was asked whether he thought was the case. "I'm quite happy with this group of players, they're improving, they're learning.

"I don't see any difficulty now. Just for me it is a challenge now. I was disappointed after the summer? Yes. But still this is a chance for me."

Rafael Benitez says that he has no further update on Newcastle's takeover - and is relying on Sky Sports News for any information! Rafael Benitez says that he has no further update on Newcastle's takeover - and is relying on Sky Sports News for any information!

The 57-year-old Spaniard is hopeful a decision can be reached by the Newcastle hierarchy but insists his staff and players will remain focused on the task in hand - maintaining their top-flight status.

"Yes, obviously, you know where you are then," Benitez added. "But at the moment, we do not know what will happen, so we have to carry on doing the same things."

Newcastle, who host Watford on Saturday, made an encouraging start on their return to the Premier League but three successive defeats have halted their progression and despite the lack of summer additions remains hopeful for a positive campaign.

He said: "My disappointment [at the end of the summer transfer window] was because I was trying to be in the top 10.

"Now it's just to be sure that we stay in the Premier League and we go as high as possible in the table, because you

never know.

"These players are giving everything, so we have to support them. That's it."