Rafael Benitez has been sacked as Everton manager on Sunday
after just eight months in charge of the struggling Premier League club.
Benitez was an unpopular appointment in June last year after
his long spell with Everton’s Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
The Spaniard paid the price for a dismal run of nine defeats
in Everton’s last 13 league matches, culminating in a 2-1 loss at lowly Norwich
on Saturday.
“Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael
Benitez as first-team manager,” a club statement said.
“Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the club
with immediate effect.
“An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due
course.”
Everton fans had made clear their desire for Benitez to be
axed during the limp loss at Norwich.
They chanted for his dismissal and held up a banner reading
‘Benitez get out of our club’, while one supporter invaded the pitch in an
attempt to confront the former Real Madrid boss.
Everton held an emergency board meeting on Saturday evening
to discuss Benitez’s future, with the talks leading to his departure on Sunday.
Benitez’s controversial appointment was a major gamble by
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri.
Benitez had infuriated Everton fans by describing them as a
“small” club during his time at Liverpool, who he led to a Champions League
final triumph against AC Milan in 2005.
Last month, Moshiri stood by Benitez, claiming the
61-year-old would be given time to get things right with new signings and
injured players coming back.
But Everton’s results have shown no signs of improving and,
with the mood among the fans increasingly toxic, it was clear Benitez would
have to go.
He leaves Goodison Park with Everton languishing in 16th
place, just six points above the relegation zone. (AFP)
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