Neil Lennon suggests Rafa Benitez may copy Carlo Ancelotti example at Everton
Neil Lennon has suggested that Rafa Benitez may follow the lead of his predecessor and leave Everton in the lurch in the future.
Speaking on talkSPORT [16/07/21], the ex-Celtic manager discussed the Spaniard’s July arrival at Goodison Park with former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who also cited the appointments of Nuno Espirito Santo and Patrick Vieira by Premier League clubs.
Jordan said: “It’s interesting to get another manager’s point of view, I know there’s always a reluctance to comment on what a colleague may or may not do.
“But if you’re looking at all those appointments and Benitez going in at Everton…what’s your take on these moves? Who do you expect to achieve things and who do you expect to struggle?”
Lennon replied: “The interesting one for me is the appointment of Benitez, he’s basically on the back-foot already.
“Benitez is a good manager and has been for a long, long time but you just wonder how much longer he’s got left in the tank and will he do an [Carlo] Ancelotti, do a year and go somewhere else as soon as someone flashes the eyes at him.”
Jordan: “I think Benitez has the exact challenges that Neil suggests, that he has to get off to a decent start or the pressure will build.”
Imagine…
We thought the negative whispers around Benitez’s arrival may subside for the time being, but it appears that’s not necessarily the case.
The true test will be when Everton fans come into close contact with the Spaniard, either in a friendly or an open training session.
Only then can we gauge whether a good section of Blues supporters are well and truly behind the new manager.
However, it appears the media are not letting go of this subject just yet.
Maybe it’s the lack of football now that the European Championship has concluded, but it’s getting rather tedious now.
Regarding the question posed by Lennon though, there would be anarchy if Benitez snubbed the Blues for another club in 12-18 months times.
The narrative has been when will the club dispense with his services following the backlash to his appointment, and if he gets off to a bad start.
But no one is really countenancing him leaving for a ‘bigger’ job like Ancelotti did in June when he re-joined Real Madrid.
We’ll give Benitez the benefit of the doubt until we hear of such concrete reports.
In other Everton news, French-born powerhouse international wants Blues move amid Rafa Benitez lure.
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