Benitez appointment may just prove to be a masterstroke from Everton

06/07/21 2343

The appointment of Rafa Benitez as Everton head coach last week received a mixed reaction to put it nicely.

The 61-year-old’s links with rivals Liverpool and his seemingly demeaning comments about the Toffees in the past made him a divisive choice to be the Toffees boss.

After the initial shock of the decision, it seems that many Evertonian’s have come around to the idea of the Spaniard managing their team.

The consensus is that although many did not want Benitez as the team’s head coach, they are now willing to give the veteran a chance.

This sort of mindset will be useful next season, as inevitably the team will go through tough periods and the fans who are not behind Benitez will no doubt make themselves heard more vocally than they would with other bosses.

The appointment is a big gamble from the Toffees hierarchy, but strangely it may pay off.

According to media reports, the Spaniard impressed Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri when interviewed and was the best candidate they held discussions with.

Benitez’s job history suggests he could be the man for the big job that is rebuilding the Everton team.

Although it was a while ago, the veteran head coach did an excellent job at building teams at Valencia and even Liverpool, who were not in great shape when he arrived. He also did solid jobs at Napoli and Newcastle.

If reports are accurate the former Reds head coach is also not costing the Toffees the earth by Premier League standards.

Reports suggest that his contract is heavily incentivised, which shows Moshiri’s business insight is finally coming to the fore in tough financial times for football clubs.

Benitez is a top professional by all accounts. He will be desperate to do a good job and re-establish himself as a Premier League boss.

Maybe the appointment could prove to be a masterstroke by those running Toffees after all.