Tony Cottee: Everton took massive risk by hiring Rafa Benitez
By Jak Richardson
Given that he was previously in charge of their biggest rivals, the appointment of Rafa Benitez as Everton boss was always going to raise questions.
Fast forward to now and his side’s poor run of form has only added fuel to the fire, was the appointment a bad move?
According to former Everton striker Tony Cottee, scorer of 72 goals in 184 appearances for the Toffees, it was exactly that. With Cottee claiming he was never in favour of the move and hiring the ex-manager of your rivals means fans will easily get on his back.
When interviewed by bettingexpert, the former Sky Sports pundit said: “Personally, this is my own personal feelings. I think it was a massive, massive risk taking on Rafa Benitez.”
He went on to add: “There is so much animosity between Everton and Liverpool. The two big rivals, and I think it was a real risk by the club.”
Massive rivalry
It’s fair to say that Cottee isn’t concerned by Benitez’s ability as a manager, however, the rivalry between his current and former employers is clearly a cause for concern and who would understand that better than a former player.
Cottee said: “If you go in and your star players are injured, there’s a lack of confidence, which there obviously is, then the fans get on your back. Not only will they get on your back, they’ll get on your back even more because Rafa was once manager of Liverpool and that’s a fact.”
Cottee is right, it was clear to see from the get-go that hiring Rafa was a big risk. Of course, had Everton played well then all would be forgiven and by-and-large it was at first. The Toffees were unbeaten in their first five games under Benitez, winning four of those.
Then the form turned.
Like Cottee feared once it started to go wrong, the fans are only going to pile even more pressure on their manager due to his past endeavours. It all culminated last night in quite ugly circumstances as Everton suffered their worst home defeat to Liverpool in 39 years.
There were boos from the home support as well as chants of ‘Rafa’s at the wheel’ from the away section, poking fun at their miserable rivals.
As it stands, it looks as if Benitez will be in charge for a little longer, but right now it looks as if Cottee’s fears are being justified.
In other Everton news, Simon Jordan has slammed this ‘Irresponsible’ Blues ace live on-air ahead of the Merseyside derby.
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