Rafael Benitez has conceded that his partnership with Newcastle is reaching a breaking point.

On Friday he made it clear the contract situation would not be revisited until the end of the January transfer window at the earliest. “We have to go to January and see what we do,” Benítez said. “After that it will be easier to know where we are. When I first decided to stay my view was very clear: to compete in the top 10. That is not the case now. So we have to review things. It’s obvious for everyone that we have to do things in another way.”

Benitez said last season's 10th place finish was a miracle.

“I’m really pleased here,” Benítez said. “I like the city, I like the atmosphere and the fans and everything. The potential of the club is massive.”