Everton forward Richarlison names three departures that hurt the club
Everton forward Richarlison has shared three ‘important’ departures from the squad that have had a severe negative impact on the club’s success.
The Brazilian claimed the Blues had enough quality to reach the Champions or Europa League if it weren’t for the James Rodriguez, Lucas Digne and Bernard leaving.
The 24-year-old winger admitted losing key players ‘weighs on the group’.
“When I arrived from the Olympics, I was even surprised at how much he (Rodriguez) was running and dedicating himself to training, training well.” He told TNT Sports.
“And out of nowhere, the coach (Benitez) said he didn’t count on him anymore. And nobody understood anything.
“So, I think that also weighed a little on the group. Because we know about James’ quality. Also, from (Lucas) Digne, who we ended up losing. So it weighs, it weighs. Like it or not, it weighs on the group.
“We had a united group there and ended up losing two important players. So I think that’s it. James, we wish him all the best.
“And that’s it. We lost Bernard too, who was an important player.
“And it’s like I said, we had everything to reach the Europa League or the Champions League and we lose players so easily. Lose players through injury too. It ends up making competition difficult.”
Good riddance
Of course, it’s going to have a huge impact, on their day Rodriguez and Digne were two of the best players in the Premier League and Bernard showed what he is capable of during his time at Everton.
As always, it stems from the very top. The continuous change in managers over the last few years has made it almost impossible for some of the star players to settle, having to answer to a new manager with a different philosophy almost every season – especially when you consider Rodriguez was only at the club at Carlo Ancelotti’s will.
Their departures were toxic and no matter who was in the right or wrong, the Toffees don’t need players like that. They need to be held accountable for their actions and how they left the club rather than reminisced over.
The Blues need players that are going to fight for the badge no matter who is manager or what type of personal relationship the pair have. Not top-quality players who demand huge wages but when the going gets tough they are nowhere to be seen.
That has been Everton’s problem for far too long.
In other Blues news, Everton confirmed starting XI for Premier League clash v Southampton.