Rafa Benitez: My thoughts on Newcastle winning the Championship
RAFA BENITEZ has given his thoughts on Newcastle winning the Championship.
Posted Monday, May 08, 2017 by Express.co.uk
Newcastle beat Barnsley 3-0 at St James' Park this afternoon but ended up winning the league after Aston Villa's late equaliser saw them grab a 1-1 draw with Brighton.
The Magpies will now begin their summer preparations for a return to the Premier League with Rafa Benitez expected to be backed well in the transfer market.
And the Spaniard said the way they ended up getting promoted was the icing on the cake.
"The staff, everyone here, deserves to be in the Premier League, but this way [it is] even better and the fans have been amazing all season," Benitez told BBC Sport.
"I was not aware of that [Brighton result] but you notice when everybody is celebrating.
"We did our job before [today]. We won today and we have to just enjoy it. As I've said before, it's fantastic.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez celebrates winning the Championship
"What effect will winning the title have on next season? It's obviously important to go up and that's it.
"You have the whole summer to prepare the team. I don't see a big difference if you are winners or not this year.
"We will have this meeting [with owner Mike Ashley], we will see exactly where we are and then move forward.
"This team, this club, deserve to be in the Premier League at a good level so hopefully we can do it.
"The owner today, he could feel the atmosphere and that's good too.
"It's difficult to improve that [relationship with the fans] because it is really good.
"But every time you feel the support from the fans you feel more emotional.
"What you have to do is make sure that you do the right things and everything will be fine."
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