Just 200 days after joining the club, Everton have sacked Rafa Benitez after the Toffees’ embarrassing 2-1 defeat at Norwich City proved the final nail in the coffin for the Liverpool legend.
In a 40-word ice-cold statement released by the club, Everton confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon.
‘Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as First Team manager,’ a statement read.
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.’
Norwich – who had previously failed to score in six league matches – consigned Benitez’s side to a ninth defeat in 13 matches on Saturday, leading to a furious reaction from the travelling masses.
Everton’s hierarchy held an emergency meeting following their dismal display at Carrow Road, and on Sunday morning, the Merseyside outfit confirmed that they have parted ways with the 61-year-old.
Benitez was appointed last summer as the club’s replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, who left the Toffees for a return to Real Madrid. The Spaniard’s appointment was divisive from the outset, given his history with arch-rivals Liverpool – where he won the Champions League in 2005.
It will also be worthy of note that Everton recently dismissed their Director of Football and sold their star left back, Lucas Digne after he had a fallout with Benitez.
After yesterday’s defeat, Benitez said: ‘I am a professional and I have enough experience.’
‘I came here to fix issues that were coming from the last five years. What I have to do now is analyse the mistakes we are making and make sure we avoid that for the future. The rest is not in my hands. I just try to do my job.’
Following this sack, Derby County manager and former Everton player, Wayne Rooney is tipped to become next manager, with Benitez’s assistant, Duncan Ferguson also in contention.
Other possible options are former Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard and Roberto Martinez.
