Everton has ended its partnership with manager Rafael Benítez, the club said in an official statement on Sunday afternoon. After Saturday’s defeat against low-flying Norwich City (2-1) it turned out that the club management had had enough. Benitez had been in charge of the group at Everton since the summer, where he was appointed as the successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who left for Real Madrid.
The appointment of Benítez has already been accompanied by some criticism, as the Spaniard has a past with arch-rival and city rivals Liverpool. The Athletic already came with the news on Saturday evening that the manager would not survive the defeat against Norwich. Everton are having an extremely disappointing season and are in 16th place with just 19 points from 19 games. Everton’s club management have agreed a transfer fee with Benítez and are now looking for a replacement.
Everton lost in the Premier League for the tenth time in nineteen games on Saturday. Watching a visit to Norwich City the Toffees already after eighteen minutes against a 2-0 deficit, after which a striking bicycle kick by Richarlison was not enough for a result: 2-1. “We conceded two goals due to our own mistakes and then you make it very difficult for yourself,” said Benítez, who refused to throw in the towel himself, afterwards.
Benitez took over from Carlo Ancelotti last summer, who was suddenly able to return to Real Madrid and took full advantage of it. The arrival of Benitez was very sensitive to Everton supporters because of his past as manager of arch-rival Liverpool. The club’s away supporters on Saturday at Carrow Road, Norwich’s stadium, asked for the coach’s resignation via banners. “Benítez, get out of our club”, it read. Also, an Everton fan stormed the field in an attempt to get to the manager.
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