Jamie Carragher warns Newcastle fans that Rafa Benitez's reign could be short-lived: 'Enjoy him while he's here'

  • Jamie Carragher does not expect Rafa Benitez to have a long stint at Newcastle
  • Liverpool legend has backed the Spaniard to keep them in the Premier League
  • Former defender fears he could leave if he falls out with owner Mike Ashley 

Jamie Carragher does not expect Rafa Benitez to have a long stint at Newcastle United but backed the Spanish manager to keep them in the Premier League.

Former defender Carragher, who played under Benitez at Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, feels the manager could leave if he falls out with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.

Benitez was unhappy with the club's business in the transfer market after failing to land their main targets despite Ashley promising him 'every last penny' to improve the side.

Rafa Benitez gives out instructions during Newcastle's 1-0 defeat by Brighton on Sunday

Rafa Benitez gives out instructions during Newcastle's 1-0 defeat by Brighton on Sunday

Jamie Carragher has warned the club's supporters that Benitez's reign could be short-lived

Jamie Carragher has warned the club's supporters that Benitez's reign could be short-lived

'If I'm being totally honest, I don't expect to see Rafa Benitez at Newcastle over a sustained, long period of time,' Carragher told Sky Sports.


'I think eventually something will happen with him and the owner and unfortunately for Newcastle this is not going to be a happy and long marriage. So enjoy it while he's here.'

Carragher, who was part of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2005, said Benitez will ensure Newcastle are not in the relegation fight.

'I don't think there's any chance of Newcastle going down, just because of the manager. He is very pragmatic and he'll make it very difficult,' he said.

'In every game Newcastle have, you'll very rarely see them lose 4-0 or 5-0, as you might see teams in the bottom half of the table.

Benitez and Carragher worked together for six years when he was in charge of Liverpol

Benitez and Carragher worked together for six years when he was in charge of Liverpol

'I think that's where Newcastle will be, but I don't expect to see them in a relegation fight.'

Newcastle, who have nine points from six games, will look to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion when they host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Carragher fears for Benitez's future if he falls out with the club's owner, Mike Ashley (above)

Carragher fears for Benitez's future if he falls out with the club's owner, Mike Ashley (above)