Everton have appointed ex Liverpool and Newcastle United boss, Rafa Benitez as their new manager on a three-year contract.
Benitez joins the Toffees after six months away from football following his exit from China’s Dalian Professional via ‘mutual consent’ due to concerns over Coronavirus pandemic.
Feeling “delighted” to return to Merseyside this time in charge of Liverpool’s arch rivals – Everton, Benitez said: “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.
The Spaniard also spoke of his belief that Everton are “going places” as evidenced by his predecessor – Carlo Ancelotti taking up the job for 18 months before being snapped up by Real Madrid for a second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month following Zinedine Zidane’s exit.
Benitez has therefore vowed to help Everton “achieve its ambitions” as the club seeks a return to chasing trophies ahead of their planned move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium in 2024 or 2025.
Everton Majority Shareholder, Farhad Moshiri explained the decision behind Benitez’s appointment, saying: “Rafa impressed us greatly with his knowledge and experience but, above all, the passion and hunger he showed to join our Club.
Moshiri also praised Benitez as “a proven winner with huge experience in coaching internationally” and iterated that he fits their ambition to be pushing for Premier League success and trophies, having briefly led the league in October 2020 before fading to a 10th placed finish.
Everton Chairman, Bill Kenwright meanwhile wished Benitez well on behalf of the club’s Board of Directors and is hopeful that he can achieve success which the supporters are currently longing for, having last won a trophy in 1995 after defeating Blackburn Rovers to win FA Charity Shield (now known as Community Shield).
Duncan Ferguson and Alan Kelly will form part of Benitez’s coaching staff with further names to be announced in due course, as players who are not on international duty prepare to return to pre-season training on Monday 5 July 2021.
Benítez’s first match as Everton manager will take place at Goodison Park on Saturday 14 August as the Toffees face Southampton on the opening weekend of 2021-22 Premier League season.
Benitez will come up against his former Merseyside club, Liverpool at home in Merseyside derby on Tuesday 30 November, before making his return to Anfield on the weekend of 22-25 April.
Steve Bruce will meet his predecessor of Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Tuesday 28 December as the Toffees and Magpies meet on Merseyside, with Benitez making his return to Tyneside on Wednesday 9 February at St James’ Park.
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