Everton appoint former Liverpool boss Rafael Benítez on a three-year deal
Video of Rafael Benítez talking to Everton TV
Everton have confirmed Rafael Benítez as their new manager after finalising terms on a three-year deal.
It is a historic appointment by Farhad Moshiri, Everton’s major shareholder, as Benitez becomes the first man to have managed both Liverpool and Everton since William Edward Barclay in the 1890s.
Benitez, who has won major trophies in Spain, England and Italy during a distinguished career, also promised he will “fight for Everton” after signing a three-year contract as the Club’s new manager.
“For me, it is about bringing the winning mentality, being competitive, so everything is in place on the pitch and off the pitch.
“And I have come to Everton because I liked the idea to be competitive again – and to have the chance to compete in every game, to compete against anyone.”
The Spaniard, 61, whose family still live on the Wirral had been courted by Moshiri for weeks, and is confirmed as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, who stunned the club when he returned to Real Madrid in early June.
Benítez won the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 200& with arch rivals Liverpool. He has since managed Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle and, most recently, Dalian Professional.
Animosity towards the 61‑year‑old has already spilled over into personal abuse on banners left outside Goodison Park.
Another banner left near his family home in Wirral warned: “We know where you live”, although it was left outside the wrong house.
The opposition of many – though not all – Everton fans to the appointment has not deterred Benítez from accepting the offer to return to Premier League management, nor Moshiri from making another divisive managerial choice.
Despite having a director of football in Marcel Brands, Everton’s majority shareholder has again personally driven the search for a new manager.
Benítez is expected to bring his longtime fitness coach, Paco de Miguel, to Goodison.
He has confirmed Duncan Ferguson, caretaker manager before Ancelotti and first-team coach under the Italian, will be an important part of his backroom team.
Benitez also discussed the relationship he will have with Director of Football Marcel Brands.
He says he is looking forward to working closely with the Dutchman and revealed discussions have already taken place regarding the Blues’ summer transfer plans.
Just how ambitious those transfer bids will be, may prove popular with fans, still to be won over.