Rafa Benitez reacts after losing Everton job
Rafa Benitez has delivered a strong emotional post on his web page after Everton confirmed his sacking on Sunday (16 January).
The Spaniard has thanked everyone who has supported him but felt it was always going to be a difficult journey.
The former Real Madrid boss felt that he could have turned it around with players returning from injuries and aimed a thinly veiled-dig suggesting the club showed little patience.
“We knew that it was not going to be easy, it was a great sporting and emotional challenge, but my love for this city, for Merseyside and its people, made me accept this great challenge, but only when you are inside do you realize the magnitude of the task.
“From the first day, both my coaching staff and myself have worked as always, with total commitment and dedication, we not only had to achieve results but also conquer hearts.
“However, the economic situation first and the injuries later made it even more difficult for us. I am convinced that we were going to improve with the return of the injured players and the arrival of the new signings. The road to success is not easy and unfortunately in today’s football immediate results are sought and there is less and less patience;
“In any case, I want to thank the Council, the staff, the players and all the fans who have supported us during this time. My best wishes to the EFC.”
Time to move on
Benitez wasn’t a popular choice at the club but he had the chance to unite the fan base.
It’s the result on the pitch that everyone is interested in, and that is where Benitez has been a big failure.
His tactics and methods are antediluvian while the squad looked bereft of confidence following a run of poor results.
Of course, no one is denying the fact that Everton have had problems with injuries and they couldn’t spend enough in the summer. The squad needed reinforcement.
At the same time, Benitez has failed to get the best out of his players and get some wins to boost confidence, especially against lower oppositions.
One win in 13 Premier League games is certainly the stat any owner would loathe to see, and the board has every reason to lose their ‘patience’ as there’s little evidence to show that the club is going forward under him.
He should have never been appointed in the first place and the club must get their next appointment bang on. Another poor decision on managerial appointment would be a catastrophe.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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