Rafa Benitez’s appointment as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Goodison Park won’t work, fears a former Liverpool player who became an Everton captain.
Benitez, who was Liverpool manager between 2004-10, appears to be closing in on the job as Blues boss with Farhad Moshiri set to name him as his fifth managerial appointment at Everton in as many years.
On Saturday, the ECHO’s Everton correspondent Phil Kirkbride reported that: “Benitez is in regular dialogue with Farhad Moshiri and the club's board and his move to Goodison remains on track.”
Despite many other managers having moved between big rivals, most notably former Arsenal boss George Graham later going to Tottenham Hotspur, the 800 yard journey across Stanley Park has so far remained English football’s last great taboo for bosses.
Benitez’s appointment would be the most-controversial in Merseyside football history and as well as his former Anfield connections, including his infamous “small club” remark after a Derby match, many Evertonians are concerned over his recent track record.
The 61-year-old’s last position was a hugely underwhelming stint at Dalian Professional in the Chinese Super League where he lost more games than he won.
No player has moved directly from Liverpool to Everton since the late Gary Ablett in 1992 but Don Hutchison, who made the switch via spells with West Ham United and Sheffield United in between, later becoming a Blues captain despite previously turning out for the Reds, admits he can’t see Benitez being a success in the Goodison dugout.
Taking to social media, Hutchison, 50, told his 57,000 Twitter followers: “This is gonna end in TEARS. Rafa=Everton.”
He quickly followed this up with a second Tweet, clarifying his position, stating: “Correction. Starting with tears. Ending with tears.”
Meanwhile, Blues fan and former professional footballer Jonathan Walters took to Twitter with a more optimistic take on the situation.
He wrote: "Appointing @rafabenitezweb is a master stroke at a time when a building project at Everton is much needed. His obsession and knowledge of football is unparalleled. He’s managed all over the world since Liverpool but his family haven’t moved.
"Right person. Right club. Right time."
