Premier League 2018/19: 5 managers who could be gone by Christmas

#5 Rafael Benitez

Could Rafael Benitez abandon a sinking ship at Newcastle?

Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle side actually picked up their first win of the season this weekend, surprisingly overcoming Watford to finally drag themselves out of the bottom 3. But one result doesn’t turn around a pretty diabolical start that’s seen the Magpies lose 7 games, including two slides of 3 losses in a row.

It’s honestly hard to blame Benitez for Newcastle’s struggles; they’ve already played (and lost to) 5 of the Premier League’s ‘big six’, with Liverpool being the lone exception, and with 14 goals conceded, they actually have a better defensive record than most of the other sides, including Manchester United and Everton.

That’s not to say Benitez will see out 2018 in the hot seat at St. James’ Park, though. The likelihood of him being outright fired by Mike Ashley and company seems slim, but the Spaniard leaving of his own accord or by mutual consent wouldn’t come as a surprise at all. Realistically he’s in a horrible position – adored by the fans but simply not given enough backing by the men in power at Newcastle.

The summer transfer window saw him given a paltry £22.5m to spent on new players to strengthen a relatively threadbare squad, and if it becomes clear that no funds will be available in January to sign more talent, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Benitez abandon what appears to be a sinking ship. To be quite frank, he deserves far better.