Rafa Benitez outlines plans to restore ‘desire’ to the Everton dressing room
Rafa Benitez has explained how he hopes to turn the teams form around as Everton continue to struggle in 2022.
The Blues suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Brighton at Goodison Park yesterday (January 2).
Sitting in 15th with 18 games played, Everton have a lot of work to do to steer clear of a potential relegation battle as the season progresses.
Despite not getting himself on the scoresheet Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return was a huge boost for the Toffees with Benitez outlining what else might bring back the ‘desire’ for the players.
“Obviously, we didn’t want to keep him on the pitch because, physically, he wouldn’t have the match fitness,” he told Liverpool Echo.
“He would have the strength but, maybe, not the stamina. At the end we had to keep him there because we were pushing and losing, but at least he was fine and can be ready for the next one.”
Benitez added: “Hopefully with Dominic coming back will give a little bit more hope to everyone.
“And if we are bringing players back, and signing new players, it will bring this desire that everyone is expecting.”
Embarrassing
It might have been the wrong choice of words for Benitez but to suggest that these Everton players need anything at all to bring desire to this squad is nothing short of a joke.
They represent Everton Football Club, do what they love for a living and get paid handsomely for it whilst playing in the best league in the world.
To suggest they lack the desire to win and even play with effort by the looks of things this season is embarrassing for the Blues.
Of course, new signings and top players returning will give the team a much-needed confidence boost, but the desire, hunger and motivation are the bare minimum a player should show at all times when playing for a club.
The Blues can only hope it was a mix up of words from Benitez as no Everton player, especially when sitting in 15th, should need anything to spark desire to turn results around.
In other Everton news, Mason Holgate one of five Everton players who could leave in January.