However, Benitez always knew his biggest enemy was time. With just 10 games to get his ideas across and having inherited a flaky, unbalanced squad, low on confidence, it has been a tough job.

Benitez has improved things. Newcastle are unbeaten in their last five games, but it took him five attempts to win three points.

If only the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager had been given more time. If only Newcastle had sacked McClaren at the start of the last international break, after yet another abject away defeat at Chelsea. Had Benitez been in charge for the two defeats against Stoke City and Bournemouth, Newcastle would surely have collected more points.