Rafa Benitez sends message to Everton fans after Watford loss
Everton fans were far from happy watching Watford come from behind twice to inflict a 5-2 defeat on their side at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Some of them left the ground a few minutes after the visitors raced into a 3-2 lead [The Athletic], and Rafa Benitez knows things must change quickly following back-to-back home defeats in the Premier League.
The Toffees manager admits he understands the supporters’ frustration, and he is hoping they can continue to support the tea through thick and thin.
Asked what his message to the angry fans was, Benitez told The Mirror: “I am really disappointed because we have a very good connection with the fans.
“From the beginning of the season, they were really supporting the team, were behind every single player, and we were doing well.
“Now we have made some mistakes and you can understand the frustration of the fans, but we have to make sure we change these things and keep the fans on board because they are really important for us.
“And we have to ensure we show the same commitment we have shown in every game, but more character, more personality when we have to manage difficult situations.”
Disappointing
Seeing his side lose their lead twice and concede four goals within the space of 12 minutes would have been mind-boggling for Benitez, and he will be looking to find the answers this week.
Everton have failed to maintain their momentum after a brilliant start to the season, and while injuries to key players have played their role, there is no excuse to lose to Watford.
They have some tough run of fixtures ahead, and how his side fare could make or mar his connection with the fans.
Everton travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers next Monday before clashes against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Brentford, Liverpool, Arsenal, Crystal Palace Chelsea and Leicester City.
Picking up wins in some of those games will be very good, so Benitez and his men cannot afford to fail to deliver when it matters most.
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