Rafa Benitez set to become next Everton manager
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 29 Jun 2021 18:19 BST
- 3 min read
Rafa Benitez is undoubtedly a Liverpool legend for what he achieved as manager of the Anfield side but he may be about to put all of that on the line to take charge of the club’s cross-city rivals.
According to a report in the Telegraph, the Spaniard is on the verge of becoming the next Everton manager to replace the departed Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton have been in need of a new manager after Ancelotti left the Premier League side to return to Real Madrid last month.
And it now seems as though the Goodison Park side will turn to the man that brought so much success to their rivals for six years.
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The 61-year-old was in charge at Anfield between 2004 and 2010 and took Liverpool to two Champions League finals, with them emerging victorious in the first in 2005 against Milan.
Benitez also guided the Reds to an FA Cup triumph.
He would eventually leave the club on a low by mutual consent in June of 2010 after an exit from the Champions League at the group stage and a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.
Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is close to taking over as Everton manager following positive talks with the club's board.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 16, 2021
Benitez's family have stayed in Liverpool since his time there and it has always been his desire to return at some point after the period in China.
He has already burned some bridges with Liverpool fans previously by managing rivals Chelsea to a Europa League triumph.
Who else was in the frame?
Everton have been on the lookout for a new manager since Carlo Ancelotti announced his sensational return to Real Madrid to replace Zinedine Zidane.
Several names have been linked with the job at Goodison Park including Nuno Espirito Santo, Eddie Howe and former boss David Moyes.
Nuno is believed to have held talks with the club, but Sky Sports report that Benitez has emerged as their number one target.
The Portuguese coach left Wolves earlier this summer.
An official announcement on the appointment of Benitez is expected this week.
