Having kept the Magpies in the Premier League for the second season in a row, Benitez is out of contract in the summer, but Ritchie thinks he'll stay
Newcastle wide-man Matt Ritchie remains "optimistic" that manager Rafa Benitez will sign a new contact and remain at the club, believing the Magpies can look forward with "hope" if he does.
Benitez has been at loggerheads with owner Mike Ashley over a number of issues, including transfer funds and the future of the club's training facilities.
The stalemate has so far prevented Benitez from being offered a new contract to replace his current deal, which runs out on June 30.