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Newcastle appoint Mikel Antia as new first team coach

Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Newcastle United have appointed Mikel Antia to Rafa Benitez's coaching team. The 43-year-old Spaniard replaces Fabio Pecchia, who this week joined Serie B side Verona as the Italian side's new manager.

The 43-year-old Spaniard joins United from the Aspire Academy in Qatar where he has been part of the coaching team tasked with developing young Qatari players.

Mikel had spells as a player at the Real Madrid Academy where he played under Rafa Benítez for four seasons, before moving to Real Valladolid in La Liga, also with Benítez. Mikel later moved on to play for Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad.

The rest of Rafa Benitez's coaching staff, consisting of Francisco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez, Ian Cathro and Simon Smith, will remain at St. James' Park.

Rafa Benitez said:

I am delighted that Mikel is joining my staff. He is a very talented coach and I know he will add great expertise to my team.

At the same time I am sad to see Fabio depart as he has been an excellent professional from the first day until the last in the years we have worked together.

He leaves to face these new and exciting challenges, both personally and professionally. I wish him all the best and say thank you."

– Rafa Benitez