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Everton confirmed the appointment of Rafael Benitez as new manager on Wednesday despite fan protests over the Premier League club’s decision for the former Liverpool boss. Benitez has signed a three-year contract with Everton and succeeds Carlo Ancelotti, who left Goodison Park to join Real Madrid in early June. The Spaniard is the first man to lead the two Merseyside teams since William Edward Barclay in the 1890s. “I am delighted to join Everton,” said Benitez.
“Throughout this process, I have been very impressed with the ambition displayed by the senior representatives of the club and their willingness to bring success to this historic club.
“I think this is a club that is evolving. I am determined to play an important role in helping this great club achieve its ambitions.”
Benitez’s appointment will upset a significant portion of Everton’s fan base after he criticized the Toffees during his time at Liverpool.
Everton supporters’ animosity towards Benitez has been elevated above the usual level reserved for a Reds boss since his “little club” jibe after a Merseyside derby in 2007.
Benitez has since sought to clarify that he was referring to what he believed to be a “small team” mentality of Everton in the game rather than as a club.
Police confirmed on Monday they were investigating the putting up of a ‘threatening’ banner with the words ‘We know where you live. Do not sign’ hung on a garden wall near Benitez’s house near Liverpool .
Offensive banners have already been placed in the stadium.
Farhad Moshiri, Everton’s largest shareholder, ignored dissenting voices to sue “proven winner” Benitez, who won the Champions League and FA Cup during his six-year reign at Liverpool, which ended in completed in 2010.
“Confirmed winner”
“Rafa impressed us a lot with his knowledge and experience, but above all with the passion and thirst he showed to join our club,” said Moshiri.
“We are naming Rafa because we believe he will bring success to our club and the Evertonians.”
Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was the first favorite to join Everton, but he would now be Tottenham’s last choice in their search for extended leadership.
Instead, it is Benitez who will launch the challenge at Everton, with their first Premier League game in charge at home at Southampton on August 14.
Ancelotti was unable to qualify for Europe last season despite the prolific form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Benitez takes over a squad that needs to be improved.
But he will be under pressure to get off to a quick start to win over angry Everton fans.
His much-anticipated first clash with Liverpool is scheduled for November 30 at Goodison Park, while the Anfield reunion takes place in April next year.
Benitez will begin working at Everton Finch Farm training headquarters on July 5, with assistant manager Duncan Ferguson and goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly remaining at the club.
Everton’s post will be the fourth Premier League stint for Benitez, who had a difficult three-year stint at Newcastle that ended in 2019 before a stint in China.
Promoted
The 61-year-old won the Europa League with Chelsea during his stint as interim boss in 2012/13 before joining Napoli.
Benitez has also managed Valencia, Inter Milan and Real Madrid during a busy career.
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