June 30, (THEWILL) – The managerial changes happening across different football clubs in Europe has reached the English Premier League as Everton have announced the appointment of Rafael Benitez as the new manager of the Liverpool-based English side.
Benitez previously managed Liverpool and Newcastle United in the EPL and has now been signed a three-year deal with the Toffees starting from the 2021/2022 campaign.
The 61-year-old is the fifth permanent manager in as many years for Everton and takes the position vacated by Carlo Ancelotti, who left Goodison Park to return to Real Madrid earlier this month after finishing 10th in the league standings.
In his remarks on his new challenge at Goodison Park, Benitez said: “I am delighted to be joining Everton. Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the club and their desire to bring success to this historic club.
“I believe this is a club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great club achieve its ambitions.”
Farhad Moshiri, who is Everton’s majority shareholder had nice things to say of their new manager: “Rafa impressed us greatly with his knowledge and experience but, above all, the passion and hunger he showed to join our club.
“We are appointing Rafa because we believe he will bring success to our club and to Evertonians. To put it simply – we need to be competing at the top-end of the league and to be winning trophies.
“Rafa is a proven winner with huge experience in coaching internationally and we have secured the best man to achieve that for us.”
THEWILL recalls that Benitez has been out of work since leaving his post at Chinese side Dalian Yifang earlier this year and there was drama in the time leading up to his appointment when it was rumoured that Benitez was being considered.
Merseyside Police said on Monday they are investigating the discovery of a threatening banner apparently aimed at Benitez that was hung near his family home with images circulated on social media of a banner, reading “We know where you live, don’t sign.”
The said banner was allegedly put up close to the Spaniard’s home in Wirral – where his family have been living since his time as Liverpool manager at Anfield.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
