Everton have sacked Rafael Benitez following a disastrous run of form as the club won just two of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti in June following the Italian’s return to Real Madrid and initially enjoyed a positive start with just two defeats in his first nine matches in charge across all competitions.
Benitez’s Toffees however saw a dramatic slump in form since returning from October’s international break, with just two wins in their last 13 matches, which has left the club sat 15th in the league but also through to Fourth Round of the FA Cup.
Fans in recent weeks grew increasingly angry at the downturn in form despite various injuries to key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, which hit a peak on Saturday (15 January) as the Toffees suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Norwich.
Tensions amongst fans have also led to various supporter groups uniting in a #RafaOut movement pushing for the ex Liverpool and Newcastle manager to be sacked, amidst stubborn commitment from the Club Board to stand by Benitez.
A group of away supporters who witnessed the club’s final defeat under Benitez at Carrow Road even demonstrated with a “Benitez Get Out Of Our Club” banner, further highlighting the toxic atmosphere amongst Evertonians.
Patience amongst Board members however finally ran out which led to an emergency meeting post-match, culminating in Benitez’s firing just over a month after Marcel Brands left his role as Director of Football.
The club released a short statement on their website stating: ‘Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as First Team manager.
‘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.’
In 21 matches as manager of Everton across all competitions, Benitez has guided the club to just seven wins, four draws and ten defeats.
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