Rafa Benitez admits Everton job difficulty amid covid outbreak
Everton manager Rafa Benitez has spoken of the difficulties his team are facing in preparation for the Boxing Day clash with Burnley.
The Blues currently have 11 players unable to travel to Turf Moor – six Injuries and covid cases.
Benitez also confirmed that the Toffees had two members of staff with positive covid cases. However, the Premier League still rejected Everton’s request to postpone the fixture.
When asked by the ECHO whether he was in an impossible situation, Benitez replied: “I think you are right, I was explaining when we were losing games in a row how good we were in the beginning because we had everyone available.
He later added: “To be fair I have to think about all my years and see if we have issues like that.
“In terms of injuries and covid, obviously it’s the first time we’ve had a situation like that.
“With other problems there have been different teams with different issues.
“You have to adapt. The good thing about that is that you have experience, you try to stay calm and find a solution. We did it against Chelsea and we have to play this game so hopefully we can do it against Burnley.
“To be sure that everybody understands the context, because it’s a little bit of what I say surprise that we will play this game but anyway we will try to do our best.”
Potential
The decision not to call the game off is ludicrous. Everyone knows those in power want the games to continue for obvious financial gains, but this situation poses a serious threat to the quality of the Premier League.
You could field a starting 11 with the players the Ev are currently missing which makes the decision to not call this game off simply a joke.
The Toffees must move forward. The last time Everton fielded a considerably weaker team, they pulled off a shock 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Benitez will no doubt use that to boost the players in preparations for the game against Sean Dyche’s side.
The younger lads who stepped up really impressed – with Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite combining to score the Blues’ equaliser.
It seems as if more youngsters will be given the opportunity to shine as there is a struggle to find the best makeshift starting 11.
Something that is quite exciting and will be much anticipated after such a positive result last time out under similar circumstances.
In other Everton news, Paul Merson predicts result of Everton clash against Burnley.