The future of Rafa Benitez as Everton manager is highly uncertain following Saturday’s defeat at Norwich.
The Athletic reports that Benitez’s fate has been decided and the Spaniard will be sacked. Under him, Everton has only won one of their last 11 games. The defeat to bottom-club Norwich increased the pressure on Rafa’s shoulders.
He was never a fan favorite at Goodison Park because of his Liverpool past and Everton’s supporters made no secret about it. Several banners shown by fans at home and away games have asked for his sacking. In Norwich, a pitch-invader tried to get to Benitez before he was tackled by stewards.
61-year-old Benitez had signed a three-year deal in the summer, when he replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Everton’s boss. After the Norwich defeat, Everton’s board members have met to discuss his future, according to Sky Sports.
Rafa won’t quit
Everton is now 15th in the Premier League table, just six points above the relegation places.
“We conceded two goals through our own mistakes and that made it a mountain to climb for us. We have to stay professional, concentrate on the next training session and the next match,” Benitez said in his press conference at Carrow Road.
“I am a professional and I have enough experience, I came here to fix issues that, maybe, are coming from five years ago,” Rafa said of his struggles.
“I have to make sure I analyze these kinds of mistakes we are making and avoid that for the future. Other things are not in my hands. I have to do my job,” he added, suggesting that he will not resign from his job.
Benitez is now at -1,660 to be the next manager who is sacked in the Premier League this season. The bookies have already put out odds for Everton’s next permanent manager, with former club captain Wayne Rooney leading the race.
The current Derby County boss is at +120. Duncan Ferguson sits at +350, while Roberto Martinez is at +400. Frank Lampard is at +650, while Paulo Fonseca, who held talks with Tottenham and Newcastle over the past months, is at +1,000.