Magpies interested in Ligue 1 gaffer if Benitez doesn’t stay
According to reports, Newcastle United have identified Lyon’s Bruno Genesio as a potential next managerial target if Rafa Benitez chooses not to stay at Tyneside beyond this summer. Benitez is out of contract at the end of the season and enjoys the confidence of NUFC fans, although his relationship with the owners hasn’t been the best owing to lack of support in the transfer market.
The Magpies reportedly want the Spaniard to stay, but have begun lining up targets if they can’t get him to ink an extension, and Lyon boss Genesio is one of them. The 52 -year old is also out of contract himself this summer and a decision on his future is expected to be announced very soon.
Genesio took Lyon to the Round of 16 of the Champions League this year, where they were eliminated by Barcelona at the Nou Camp. Appointed as OL boss in 2015, he also presided over their 2016-17 European campaign, where they reached the semifinals of the Europa League before losing to Ajax.
Lyon are currently third in Ligue 1, seven points behind second place Lille. The top two qualify directly for the group stages, while the third placed team has to go through a qualifier.