Rafa Benitez closing in on Everton job despite fan backlash against potential appointment of former Liverpool boss – with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri keen to proceed regardless of emotions
- Everton are on the hunt for a new manager after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure
- Rafa Benitez looks to be the first-choice with Everton set to offer him a contract
- However, Benitez once managed the club’s bitter rivals Liverpool – to fans’ anger
Everton have held further talks with Rafa Benitez as they creep closer to making him an offer to become their new manager.
Benitez, the former Liverpool boss, wants the opportunity to take on the task of reviving fortunes at Goodison Park. He has become the leading candidate after another round of discussions with Farhad Moshiri, the major shareholder.
There has been widespread discontent among Evertonians, who have not forgotten Benitez’s time in charge at Anfield and in particular comments he made after a Merseyside derby in February 2007.
Rafa Benitez is set to be offered a deal by Everton to become their new manager, angering fans
Fans left signs outside Goodison Park making their feelings known about the situation
The Spaniard’s connections with Liverpool mean he is not a boss many Everton fans wanted
Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, once called Everton a ‘small club’
Moshiri is aware of the feeling but he is proceeding regardless of the emotions. The Iranian billionaire is yet to make a formal offer to Benitez but there is a degree of confidence that one will be forthcoming.
Everton do not have time to waste as the squad is due back at Finch Farm, the club’s training base, for pre-season on July 5 and it is now 21 days since Carlo Ancelotti walked out to take the Real Madrid job.
In that period, they have spoken to a number of managers – including Nuno Espirito Santo – and still have other candidates in the frame such as Brighton’s Graham Potter. Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez also has supporters at board level.
Farhad Moshiri opened talks with Benitez after a deal with Nuno Espirito Santo fell apart