It's time to match fans’ ambition- Rafa Benitez

The Magpies face a fight to keep the Spaniard at the helm next season as he pushes for more finances to strengthen the squad.

With the season coming to an end and the manager's contract at the club expiring at June 30, Rafa Benitez  has urged the club to be ambitious in its ordeals.

Rafa Benitez took charge of his final game at St James Park when they lost 2-3 against his former club Liverpool. The fans cheered on after the match as he did a lap of honour while being serenaded by the players.

He said, "This game was special, I have a relationship with both sets of fans.” "It's always special when you do well and have to go around and see smiles on the fans' faces, it's emotional but really good at the same time”, he added.

When asked about his future at the club he said, "We have had and will have conversations over the next couple of weeks (on my future) and see where we are.”

Benitez has been of the opinion that greater monetary support in the transfer market is very essential for his presence in Tyneside. This drop from last season's 10th position has only further strengthened his point. "It's so simple. You can see the potential, you can feel the passion of the fans and what the club means to them.

The hosts almost were able to salvage a draw against the title contenders until Origi managed to score in the 86th minute. "We have to try to compete with the teams around us. At the moment it's not easy. I'm really proud and pleased that we've stayed up but I would like to compete for something more.

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Mike Ashley, the club owner would have to meet certain demands of the Champions League winning manager if he wants him to continue.

When asked about his demands, the Spaniard replied, “There are a lot of things. But the main thing is if we can maximise the potential of this club. I am not happy when you have to play a game and think: 'If we can get a draw we'll be satisfied'.”

Benitez is ready to go into extra time with Mike Ashley for contract negotiations and the away fixture at Craven Cottage could see Ashley coming to sit down for talks with the Spaniard.

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Reflecting on his last three years on Tyneside, Benitez said,"I am really happy here. I don't have any problems and the fans are fine. The people in the streets and people around are fine.The staff are good. There are a lot of positives here.”

“The main thing is - can we compete? That is the problem."