Rafa Benitez Officially Appointed Newcastle United Manager

Former Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez sealed his move to Newcastle United on Friday, penning a three-year deal following Friday's axing of Steve McClaren.

"I have the pleasure to confirm I have committed to a legendary English club, with the massive challenge of remaining part of the Premier League," said Newcastle's new boss, adding:

"

It will be a challenge not just for me and my staff but for the players, the Club and the fans. 

All of us must push together in the same direction and with the same target in mind. This is the reason why I'm going to ask for your total support to successfully complete this task.

Personally, it means my return to the Premier League, closer to my home and my family. I can't be happier. C'mon Toon Army! The club and I need your total involvement!

"

North-east reporter Rob Scanlon had earlier provided images of Benitez arriving at St James' Park:

The Magpies are in serious danger of being relegated this season as they find themselves 19th in the Premier League with 10 matches remaining—their game in hand over their rivals being against Manchester City.  

Pressure firmly mounted on McClaren in recent weeks with the club losing five of their last six matches.

Following their 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea in February, the team had 18 days without a fixture and were taken to Spain for a warm-weather training camp—it appeared to have little effect, however, as all they've been able to muster since is a 1-0 defeat to Stoke City and a 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

As Balague indicated, Benitez's tactical rather than motivational approach isn't typically associated with getting short-term boosts out of players—the kind the Magpies need if they're to stay up.

However, the Spaniard is a significant coup for a club in Newcastle's precarious position, and he is known for organising defences well—his Real Madrid conceded just four goals in all competitions in his first 14 games in charge, though he admittedly had a full pre-season to work with some world-class players.

If he can shore them up at the back, he could help the club grind out enough points to survive.