When was a managerial appointment ever simple? With Carlo Ancelotti departing Everton, the board have acted swiftly and meticulously to find their new manager.
Unfortunately for supporters, it might not be the man they were all dreaming of.
What’s the word?
It’s nearly been three weeks since Ancelotti departed Goodison Park but the Toffees hierarchy are on the verge of announcing his successor.
At first, it appeared as though former Wolves boss Nuno Santo would be handed the reins.
Everton became the prime candidate to land the Portuguese after a move to Crystal Palace fell through but it doesn’t appear as though he’ll land the gig in Merseyside either.
With talks stalling, they’ve moved to hire Rafa Benitez instead with a move now on the verge of completion according to journalist Jim White.
This represents a considerable U-turn from senior officials within the Everton camp.
Supporters must be furious
Cast your minds back to 2007 and you’ll remember a certain Benitez sitting pretty in the Anfield dugout.
His affinity with the red side of Liverpool is huge, taking them to Champions League glory in 2005, ensuring cult hero status in Merseyside.
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What makes things worse, though, is a jibe he made towards the Everton fans 14 years ago as he reached out and called the Toffees a “small club.”
The 61-year-old clarified those comments in 2019, saying: “I made a mistake when I said it was a small club. What I wanted to say was they are a small team because in this game I remember they had one chance.”
That being said, it’s unlikely fans are going to forgive him in a hurry. After all, a number of supporters have been left appalled by the board’s actions, pleading for the Spaniard not to be hired.
One fan claimed the board were a disgrace for considering Benitez while another suggested they’d completely cut ties with the club.
Benitez may have an impressive CV; winning league titles in Spain and reaching the latter stages of continental competitions, but it will not go down well with the fans.
Of course, a sprinkling of success and a place in the Champions League come the end of the season will go down well, but for the time being, he won’t be met with too many pleasantries at Goodison.