Rafa Benitez rallies Newcastle fans for relegation fight

Rafael Benitez admitted he has taken on a “massive” challenge in agreeing to lead Newcastle’s desperate fight for Premier League survival.

The 55-year-old Spaniard, who has been out of the game since being sacked by Real Madrid in January, accepted a 10-match survival mission and whatever may lie beyond yesterday when he signed an initial three-year contract at St James’ Park.

He did so hours after Steve McClaren was sacked and with the Magpies sitting 19th place in the Premier League, one point adrift of safety ahead of Monday evening’s tough trip to surprise leaders Leicester, hardly the ideal start to a rescue attempt.