Everton part ways with Rafa Benitez
After weeks of bad blood, Everton finally parted ways with Spanish manager Rafa Benitez.
The former Liverpool boss was a forever unpopular figure on the blue side of Merseyside, and 9 losses in 12 matches has certainly not helped his cause at Goodison park.
Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as first team manager.
— Everton (@Everton) January 16, 2022
Former Everton midfielder Olivier Dacourt claimed that he was doomed from the start, telling 101:
“When you speak about Rafa Benitez, you think of Liverpool. He won them the biggest trophy in club football! [The Champions League]
“What do you expect from the Everton fans? Even though he came here years after being at Liverpool, it’s still Liverpool and the success that he brought them that he’s known for.”
So, who could prove more popular with the Everton faithful?
Next Everton manager odds:
- Duncan Ferguson – 3/1
- Wayne Rooney – 7/2
- Roberto Martinez 9/2
- Nuno Espirito Santo – 12/1
Rooney and Lampard part of four-man shortlist
Now, as per the Telegraph, legendary English pair Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney are both being interviewed for the vacant role by the Everton hierarchy.
**NEW** Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard to be interviewed by Everton. Search for new manager goes on – club working to a shortlist of four. Story: https://t.co/V7ncM9Rbqe
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) January 18, 2022
Lampard’s last stint in management was at Chelsea, where he guided them into the top 4 before being sacked midway through his second season, when Thomas Tuchel took over and went on to win the Champions League.
Rooney, meanwhile, has been battling to keep a points-deducted Derby County out of the relegation zone in the Championship. Having started on -21 points this season due to going into administration, they are now just 9 points from safety, with plenty of the season left to come.
Despite Derby having a 21 point deduction, injury problems and a transfer embargo, they have moved off the bottom of the Championship table and are just 9 points from safety.
What an unbelievable job Wayne Rooney is doing 👏 pic.twitter.com/y9dlc7JVSR
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 16, 2022
The pair form part of a four-man shortlist on Merseyside, according to the report.
Would either manager make a splash at Everton?
