If this doesn't turn Mike Ashley's head, nothing will..

The way he goes on, you'd think Mike Ashley forgets he has a world class, Champions League manager in charge of his club - but yesterday's events should send him a timely reminder of just how lucky he is to have Rafa Benitez.

UEFA's 'Elite Coaches Forum' took place yesterday and who was present? None other than Rafa Benitez, who took his place next to some of Europe's top managers after being invited to their 'special annual event.

As stated by UEFA, the forum bring together the 'finest coaches from across Europe' to 'discuss the major issues in European football', with the criteria for invites featuring manager's who've coached over 100 UEFA Champions League games.

Present were the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger, Diego Simeone, Massimiliano Allegri and Real Madrid's Julen Lopetegui.

These are elite managers who've all coached at the highest level, all alongside Rafa Benitez - a manager who is not receiving backing at Newcastle United; a club showing an unforgivable lack of ambition given the elite manager we're lucky to have in charge at the club.

https://twitter.com/UEFA/status/1036969437281353729

This is when I really feel for Rafa and question what on earth he is doing persevering with a club run by Mr. Mike Ashley.

Imagine the level of conversations taking place yesterday? Nearly all of these managers are in charge of top clubs, competing for titles, working with world class players and preparing for the upcoming Champions League campaign. Rafa Benitez, however, is prioritising staying up - heading into the season on the back of a MINUS £20m net spend.

Seeing these images makes us all so proud to have Rafa Benitez as our manager.

With him set to leave next summer unless he agrees to a new contract, hopefully Mike Ashley sees this and realises just what he's got in Rafa Benitez.

It would be a suicide mission to lose the club's biggest asset - especially if Ashley is remotely serious about selling the club..