Rafa Benitez will battle on as Newcastle boss – after describing the North East as “like home.”
The Spaniard’s medium term future has been in doubt after an underwhelming summer transfer window.
But Benitez will give his backing to his squad on Friday to do a job over the next few months and establish Newcastle in the top flight – despite being left short on numbers and the quality he wanted.
And Benitez has told how “everything” he does is “for the fans”, as he takes his side to Swansea on Sunday.
In an interview with the North East Times magazine this week, Benitez reveals how his daughters made him stay on at St James’s Park.
Despite the turmoil of the transfer window, Benitez said: “The North East already feels like home for me.
“I am grateful to have such a positive relationship with our fantastic supporters. They are always behind us and played a big part in our success last season.
“All I can do is continue to work hard every day and try my best to give them a team to be proud of.
“They are the motivation in everything that we do and I am really glad we could make them happy last season by winning the title.
“We know that this season will be tough in the Premier League but, with the fans on our side, it gives us a better chance of achieving our targets.
“I was made to feel so welcome by everybody at the club, the supporters and the city from my very first day. That was a big factor in my decision to stay last summer.
“My family wanted me to stay in England after time away in Italy and then Spain, and it is true that my daughters were showing me what the fans were saying on social media at the time.
"They were looking on different social networks and saying, ‘You have stay and win for these people – the fans love you here!”
Benitez is facing an injury headache after Chancel Mbemba was crocked on international duty.
The Congo star will be assessed on Tyneside today – and an injury could leave Newcastle without a recognised left back for the trip to Swansea.
Benitez was left short in that position after failing to land a new face on deadline day.
Paul Dummett is injured and Ashraf Lazaar was sold to Benevento last week.
Jack Colback, who has been frozen out of the first team, would be the most experienced left back available to Benitez if Mbemba is out. Out of favour Jesus Gamez could also fill in.
Mbemba had an eventful night for Congo skippering his side and scoring, before he limped off on the hour and a 2-0 lead pegged back. Mbemba has been ruled out for several weeks.
Benitez has had an operation during the international break, and despite missing training sessions this week, will be back at his desk tomorrow (FRI).