Rafa Benitez has admitted that waiting until the summer to sign a new contract would have put the club in a weaker situation for the season ahead.
Despite wishing to conclude business late last year, the club moved slowly and only last month did Benitez and the American owners reach agreement on a contract extension which brought much needed stability back to the club.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Rafa said:
“It is true that at times I may have thought about my future.
“There was a lot of uncertainty at the club but when you put all of these things together and the fact I am sure we can improve, there was no doubt in my mind.
“It will be easier now the contract is done. Once you sign a contract you know you can start thinking about the future. That is why it was important to get it done as soon as possible.
“The uncertainty at the club was the only thing on my mind before. But delaying the decision before saying yes at the end of the season would have been worse for everyone because we would have lost some of our transfer targets or certainly been at a disadvantage.”