Tuesday 20 March 2018 10:01, UK
Rafa Benitez says Newcastle's hierarchy must give him resources to improve the squad if they want to keep him happy at the club.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley had hoped to sell Newcastle by Christmas, but a bid from Amanda Stavely appears to be on hold until at least the end of the season - when the club's position in the Premier League is confirmed.
Benitez believes eight more points will secure their status for next season, but said relegation fights were not what he had in mind when he agreed to stay at the club.
"Have I enjoyed being Newcastle manager? I enjoy it when we are winning," Benitez told reporters during a warm-weather camp in Spain.
"I like to do things well and when you see something is right, I'm really proud. But it's difficult to enjoy it when you are suffering all the time because you have to win and then you lose.
"Have I enjoyed this season? No, but maybe the word 'enjoyment' is different in English. I'm really pleased with my job. I like it. But enjoyment is when you score eight goals in the Champions League against Besiktas."
Benitez has a year remaining on his current contract as Newcastle boss, but has indicated he will need assurances over the club's ambition in the transfer market in order to extend his deal further.
"We have to change things," Benítez said. "I came here with the idea to compete and to create a strong team and a strong club, to compete every year. What we have to do if we stay up is improve.
"The way Newcastle were doing things before I arrived doesn't mean they were right, because they were going down. Now we have had the chance to go up we cannot make the same mistakes again."
He added: "When I said I wanted to stay I could see the potential for this club to be in the top 10 or even higher.
"To compete and be capable of winning something, you need to have the plan and the process."
