Abel Xavier offers his view on Benitez’s move to Everton
Abel Xavier believes that Rafael Benitez’s decision to join Everton was always going to have an “impact” on Merseyside.
The Spaniard decided to take on the job at Goodison Park, despite his previous connections with Liverpool and threats from some Toffees fans [Daily Mail].
However, Xavier, who controversially left the Blues for the Reds in 2002, thinks that Benitez is doing a good job.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: “First of all I have to praise the courage of Rafa Benitez to make that decision. It shows that he believes in himself more than anything.
“Because of the rivalry, it was always going to be a move that created impact.
“Maybe because of his past, he might not have considered making the move, but he did it, and from that moment onwards, he just has to concentrate on trying to build a strong Everton team and earn credit from the fans.
“The only way you can do that is through the results. On a daily basis, Benitez is just focusing on delivering that.”
Good review of Benitez’s time in charge so far.
Ultimately, the Spaniard has to be judged on results and improvements in players, and it has to be said that he is delivering on both fronts.
The Toffees are right up there in the race for the top four, while the likes of Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend, and Abdoulaye Doucoure have been transformed.
If Everton had started badly, then you can imagine that because of his connections to Liverpool, some Evertonians might have turned on the Spaniard.
However, that hasn’t proved to be the case, and he deserves immense credit for the start to life he has made at Goodison Park.
Now, though, the challenge really starts as the Toffees face Manchester City and Liverpool before the end of November, and that will be a big test of just how good Benitez and his side are.
In other Everton news, the Toffees should be in pole position for one of their targets in January.
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