Jamie Carragher: Rafa Benitez is running out of time with Everton fans
Jamie Carragher believes that Rafael Benitez faces a “make-or-break” week as Everton manager.
Writing in his column for the Daily Telegraph, the Sky Sports presenter discussed the Spaniard’s future at Goodison Park amid a poor run of form.
There were some Everton fans who weren’t keen on Benitez at the beginning because of his connections with Liverpool [Daily Mail].
Therefore, Carragher believes that his former boss has to win against Brentford on Sunday, or things could turn nasty for Benitez.
He said: “After six Premier League games without a win, the natives are restless.
“Coupled with Sunday’s trip to Brentford, there is a sense of make-or-break in the next five days.
“Not necessarily because owner Farhad Moshiri will make a rash decision on the manager’s position (although he has previous form for that) but in terms of Benitez’s relationship with those fans who have been willing to cast aside his Anfield past and give him a chance.
“He needs a big result right now. If the winless run extends to eight, Goodison Park could be ready to explode in frustration, even though the club’s problems run deeper than those who have recently stood on the touchline.”
Wise words from Carragher.
If the Toffees don’t win on Sunday, they will head into the Merseyside derby in awful form and probably desperately in need of a win to keep the fans off Benitez.
The Toffees have been decimated by injuries to almost all of their key players. Still, unfortunately, football is a results business, and fans have every right to express their frustrations when their team isn’t winning.
What hasn’t helped Benitez is that in some of these games, his side appear to have just given up.
The defeat against Watford was a ridiculous collapse from a strong position and then defeats to Wolves, and Manchester City were weak and limp.
So, he really needs a result on Sunday because we can’t imagine that he will get too many favours from Jurgen Klopp in the Merseyside derby.
This is a fantastic column from Carragher, who has summed up the situation perfectly, and it will be fascinating to see what happens.
In other Everton news, Doucoure has sent a cryptic tweet amid talk of an early comeback.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.