Arsene Wenger describes Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez as "top class"

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 11 March 2016

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger describes Rafael Benitez as a "top-class manager" following the Spaniard's appointment at Newcastle United.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described Rafael Benitez as a "top-class manager" following the Spaniard's appointment at Newcastle United.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach signed a three-year deal with the Magpies on Friday afternoon, a few hours after Steve McClaren was sacked.

Benitez takes over the North-East outfit with the club sitting second from bottom in the Premier League table, one point adrift of safety with 10 games left to play.

During Wenger's 19-year spell in charge of Arsenal, Newcastle, who are run by Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, have appointed 14 different managers.

"It's a sad sign for Steve McClaren but of course Benitez is a top-class manager," Wenger told reporters in Friday's press conference.

"For me the technical stability of a club is very important, for results but as well for the values. Values for me are an important part of football, the way we want to play, the style of football.

"If you have enough money you can buy away your mistakes but if you manage your club in a balanced way you have to minimise your mistakes."

Reports have claimed that Benitez's contract has a get-out clause, which will allow him to leave if Newcastle drop into the Championship.