Benitez had an unpopular appointment last June after his long run with Everton’s Merseyside rivals liverpool,
The Spaniard paid the price for Everton’s disappointing nine defeats in 13 league matches, culminating in a 2-1 loss at Norwich on Saturday.
,Everton Football Club Can confirm the departure of Raphael benitez as first-team manager,” a statement from the club said.
Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benítez as the first team manager.
— Everton (@Everton) 1642344852000
Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the club with immediate effect.
“An update on the permanent replacement will be done in due course.”
Everton fans made it clear their desire to ax Benitez during a lame loss at Norwich.
They raised slogans calling for his sacking and held up a banner reading ‘Benítez get out of our club’ while a supporter attacked the pitch in an attempt to confront the former Real Madrid boss.
Everton held an emergency board meeting on Saturday evening to discuss Benitez’s future, with talks leading to his departure on Sunday.
Benitez’s controversial appointment was a major gamble by Everton boss Farhad Moshiri.
Benitez had angered Everton fans during his time at Liverpool by describing him as a “small” club, which led to their 2005 Champions League final win against AC Milan.
Last month, Moshiri stood by Benitez, claiming the 61-year-old would be given time to set things right with new signings and injured players coming back.
But Everton’s results have shown no signs of improvement and with fans’ moods increasingly toxic, it was clear Benitez had to go.
That leaves Goodison Park, with Everton in 16th place, just six points above the relegation zone.
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