“We will try to improve the squad”- Rafa Benitez responds to fans’ criticism after getting heckled at Selhurst Park
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It has been a tough couple of months for Rafa Benitez and his Everton side. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager took over earlier in the summer after Real Madrid came calling for Carlo Ancelotti. Everton had a great season under Ancelotti and the Toffees fans expected Benitez to do the same and fire on all cylinders. However it’s been a tough start fir Benitez as Everton manager as they sit 14th in the table with just 18 points from 16 games so far.
The dip in form has been such that Everton failed to win a game in the Premier League in October and November suffering 6 defeats and 2 draws in the eights games played. However there was some relief for Everton and their supporters after their 2-1 comeback win against Arsenal last week only to lose 3-1 against Crystal Palace away from home.
The away fans at the Selhurst Park were quick to show their disappointment against Benitez as they started abusive chanting when he substituted the injured Richarlison, something which is surely not doing any good to him at the moment. However with the dissent shown by the fans and the lack of form of Everton Benitez is positive about his position and has spoken to Everton owner Farhad Moshiri and has a long-term project for the club.
“I was talking with Mr Moshiri this morning. I have meetings with the chairman, the chief executive and they are supporting me, We are thinking about January and not just January, after to see what we can do to make the team stronger.” Benitez said in press conference before the game against Chelsea on Thursday.
“Four five years of frustration does not change in five months” Benitez asks the fans to be patient and believe in the long-term project
It is fair to say that Benitez is trying to do is every bit possible to get the results in the league. However the injuries to a number of players has played a major role in the drawback this season. Last season’s top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out since August, Abdoulaye Doucoure missing over a month with a broken foot, and Richarlison and Andros Townsend joining the likes of Yerry Mina and Tom Davies currently sidelined.
Benitez further added by saying that there has been only frustration for fans and that he is doing everything to improve the situation and will try to make some signings in the upcoming January transfer window.
“Which is the feeling of the last years for any Everton fan: success or frustration? You know the answer. I have a lot of fans that are telling me the same. They know the problems are not just ones you can fix in just five months. We will try to improve the squad in January in terms of positions and names and hopefully we can do well.”
Is Benitez the right man for the job at Everton or will the Spaniard will be the next manager to be sacked in the Premier League this season ?
Also read: “I feel sorry for him”- Thomas Tuchel jumps to Aubameyang’s aid after Arsenal captaincy snub
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Waseem Shaikh
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