Rafael Benitez exclusive: Former Everton boss says it was impossible to manage club his way due to Liverpool ties | Football News

Rafael Benitez says it was inconceivable to handle Everton the best way he needed to attributable to his historical past with rivals Liverpool.

Benitez, who gained the Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Tremendous Cup throughout his time in cost at Anfield from 2004 to 2010, grew to become Everton boss in July 2021 however was sacked six months later after struggling to enhance outcomes and win over supporters.

In an unique interview with Sky Sports activities Information, the Spaniard mentioned he doesn’t remorse taking up at Goodison Park however admits he struggled to make sure choices due to his ties to Everton’s Merseyside rivals.

“On the time Everton got here in with the provide, I knew I’d give my greatest and do every part to attempt to enhance issues,” he mentioned. “I knew it could possibly be tough as a result of I used to be at Liverpool, so possibly I could not make some choices. It was very clear for us firstly.

“I had a gathering with a head of one of many departments and I requested him ‘do you suppose every part is ok?’ He mentioned ‘yeah, every part is ideal.’ I believed ‘£600m had been spent, it can’t be excellent when the house owners aren’t glad and the followers aren’t glad.’

“So I realised we needed to change issues inside, however I could not do it immediately as a result of I used to be a former Pink and it could possibly be seen as ‘oh, he is are available in to vary our membership’.

“In one other membership, I’d have made these choices. I did it up to now, as a result of you understand very clearly that’s the method to enhance, however there at Everton I could not do it.”

‘Gordon starting to fulfil potential’

One present Everton participant Benitez is aware of effectively is Anthony Gordon. The winger was linked to a transfer to Chelsea in the summertime, however the Toffees had been adamant he was not on the market.

Benitez believes Gordon, who has scored two objectives in seven Premier League video games this season, is now beginning to fulfil his potential however admits he initially doubted the 21-year-old.

“We performed a pleasant in Miami in pre-season and after 50 minutes, he could not run,” Benitez mentioned.

“We knew he was a participant with high quality on the ball, might end, go and had tempo. However he could not run. We had a dialog with him after the sport. It was sizzling, however he is a younger participant.

“I used to be speaking with the coaches within the academy and my assistant and so they mentioned they weren’t certain. They knew he had the expertise however possibly it was his mentality.

“We hung out with him, however the primary factor was to vary his mentality and he was very eager to do it. He labored actually laborious, he improved his stamina and he bought higher and higher as a result of he had the potential.

“He has to enhance some elements of his sport, he is aware of that. However I am actually happy to see him progressing as a result of he is a pleasant lad.”

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