Newcastle boss Benitez appoints new coach

Zach Holland
Rafael Benitez: has appointed new coach

Rafael Benitez: has appointed new coach

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has appointed fellow Spaniard Mikel Antia to his coaching team as he prepares for life in the Championship.

The 43-year-old replaces Fabio Pecchia, who this week left the Magpies to take over as manager at Serie B side Hellas Verona in Italy.

Antia, a former academy player at Real Madrid under Benitez, has joined the club from the Aspire Academy in Qatar, and will work alongside Francisco de Miguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez Perez, Ian Cathro and Simon Smith at St James’ Park.

The Spaniards experience with working with younger players back in Qatar could certainly be a key asset for Newcastle as they bid to get back in to Premier League.

Benitez said: “I am delighted that Mikel is joining my staff. He is a very talented coach and I know he will add great expertise to my team.

“At the same time, I am sad to see Fabio depart as he has been an excellent professional from the first day until the last in the years we have worked together.

“He leaves to face these new and exciting challenges, both personally and professionally. I wish him all the best and say thank you.”