Rafael Benitez roped in by Everton as new manager

Rafael Benitez has formerly managed in the English Premier League, while his most successful stint came with Liverpool. Consequently, his appointment with Liverpool’s Merseyside rival Everton has not gone down well with the fans.

In what comes as a surprise, legendary Spanish manager Rafael Benitez has been roped in as the new manager for English Premier League giant Everton. The former Liverpool boss would be managing his fourth club in England, as Everton announced the same on Wednesday.

Benitez has been a successful coach in Europe, while his most successful stint in England came with Liverpool, leading the side to a UEFA Champions League title. He would be succeeding Carlo Ancelotti after the latter left for the managerial post of Spanish giant Real Madrid.

“I am delighted to be joining Everton. Throughout this process, I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the Club and their desire to bring success to this historic Club. I believe this is a Club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great Club achieve its ambitions,” said Benitez following his appointment in a club release.

Meanwhile, Bill Kenwright (club chairman) stated, “Rafa Benitez is joining Everton Football Club at an exciting time. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish him well in achieving success for our football club - success our supporters long for and deserve.”

However, Benitez’s appointment has not gone down well with the fans, as they have been vocal about the former Liverpool manager, who had criticised the ‘Toffees’ during his days with ‘The Reds’, calling it a “small club”. Some protestors had event put a banner in front of his family’s Wirral home that threatened, “We know where you live”, while police are investigating the matter.

Nevertheless, Benitez called for unity, as he told The Guardian, “I know what it means for Evertonians. I know what it means for people in the city and the passion they have. I think it is crucial for us to have the fans behind us. This year, with the pandemic, has been very difficult and football without the fans is totally different. I was following the form of Everton [last season], and obviously, away from home, they have been fine, but not so good at home. Why? Because they didn’t have the fans behind. It is crucial.”

“I have been in Madrid, Naples, Valencia, Tenerife, Extremadura and Liverpool. Every single club I was there, I was fighting for them. If you analyse things in that context, what you are expecting from your manager is to fight for your club, and I will do that,” he concluded.

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