Former Everton Boss Rafael Benitez Admits That Ties to Liverpool Made It Hard for Him to Succeed at Everton

Former Everton Boss Rafael Benitez Admits That Ties to Liverpool Made It Hard for Him to Succeed at Everton

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:12 PM
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  • Former Everton manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that his deep connections with Liverpool, hindered success at Everton
  • Benitez coached the Toffees for just six and a half months before getting the boot due to a poor run of results
  • Benitez famously won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, producing a historic comeback from 3-0 down

Former Everton and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has said that ties with Liverpool made it hard for him to succeed at Everton.

The 62-year-old had a spell to forget with the Blue side of Liverpool after being sacked after just six months after 9 defeats from 13 games.

Rafael Benitez, Liverpool, Everton, Premier League, Champions League, Anfield, Goodison Park
Rafael Benitez won the 2005 Champions League with Liverpool. Photos by Eric Renard and Stephen Pond.
Source: Getty Images

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Benitez had a difficult time at Everton

According to an exclusive by Sky Sports, Benitez admitted that although he wanted to bring change to a struggling Everton team, he was afraid that his connections to Anfield would hinder that.

Benitez enjoyed a hugely successful stint with Liverpool, winning three trophies, including the 2005 Champions League, where his team produced an unforgettable comeback to beat AC Milan.

At the time Everton came in with the offer, I knew I would give my best and do everything to try to improve things.
I knew it could be difficult because I was at Liverpool, so maybe I couldn't make some decisions. It was very clear for us at the beginning.

The Spaniard's spell at Goodison Park started well with the Toffees going on a four-match unbeaten streak, but as soon as the results and performances started deteriorating, fans turned on him. He admitted that although he doesn't regret his time at Everton, things were tough.

So I realised we had to change things inside, but I couldn't do it straight away because I was a former Red and it could be seen as 'oh, he's come in to change our club'.

Benitez has also managed Newcastle in the Premier League and the Championship, with some believing he might coach in the league again.

Kudus move to Everton fall through

Earlier Sports Brief reported on Mohamed Kudus failed move to the Toffees this past summer, with Ajax deciding to keep the Ghanaian international.

Kudus later revealed that he was unhappy with his role at Ajax, but he has been one of Ajax's in form players this season.

Kudus has scored seven goals in all competitions this season and he's expected to play a key role in Ghana's World Cup campaign.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.